Globus Events, formerly known as VNU Exhibitions Asia, has completed three major acquisitions in China since February, part of an ambitious expansion strategy, backed by its majority owner (since February 2024), private equity investor Advent International (‘Advent’). Since becoming part of Advent’s portfolio, Globus Events has made majority acquisitions in key sectors where it already organises leading events in China and Asia. The investments were in Powder Metallurgy (PM) China, International Exhibition for Advanced Ceramics (IACE) China and China Pet Expo (CPE).
“These acquisitions align with our strategy to grow our portfolio within the industries we presently serve,” said Edwin Tan, CEO of Globus Events. “TWe are committed to expanding and enhancing our crucial role as the organiser of some of the largest in-person trade platforms in Asia, as well as positively contributing to the development of China’s exhibition industry.
“We are also very pleased to have Jimè Essink, former president & CEO of Informa Markets Asia (previously UBM Asia) and an Operation Partner of Advent as a Board Member of Globus Events. Jime will be key to supporting our business development plans,” Tan added.
The latest investment, concluded in September, involved majority acquisitions in the annual PM CHINA and IACE CHINA exhibitions, founded by Uniris Exhibition Shanghai Co., Ltd. These two flagship exhibitions, based in both Shanghai and Shenzhen, are powerhouses in the global powder metallurgy and advanced ceramics industries. The latest 2024 editions of both shows in Shanghai occupied a combined area of 45,000sqm and welcomed more than 60,000 professional visitors.
Globus Events’ industry reach now includes TCT Asia, the influential 3D printing and additive manufacturing event. It was established in Shanghai in 2015 through a JV partnership between Globus Events (then VNU Exhibitions Asia) and the UK-based Rapid News Group. TCT Asia, held annually in Shanghai, occupies over 40,000sqm of space and attracts over 20,000 professional visitors.
Duncan Wood, CEO of Rapid News Publications Ltd., commented: “This is a smart strategic addition by Globus Events, enabling us to co-locate TCT Shenzhen with PM South China, offering significant benefits to the exhibitors and visitors of both events. We look forward to working with our joint venture company Uniris on this and other initiatives in the future.”
In August, Globus Events purchased the majority interest in China Pet Expo (CPE), founded by Beijing Lanneret International Exhibitions. CPE, established in 2014, takes place annually in Beijing with an exhibition area in excess of 100,000sqm. This investment adds to the Globus Events pet portfolio, which includes the world’s largest pet show held annually in Shanghai, Pet Fair Asia. The latest edition, in August, featured 300,000sqm of exhibiting space with 2,500 exhibiting companies and welcomed over 120,000 trade visitors.
Globus Events is the co-organiser of exhibition brands DOMOTEX Asia/CHINAFLOOR, R+T Asia, Salone del Mobile.Milano Shanghai, and VIV Select China.
For more information, visit: https://www.globusevents.com/en/.
