Global B2B media company, Tarsus Group, has announced that it has completed the acquisition of 70% of Shenzhen Zhong Xin Cai Exhibition Company; owner and organiser of Touch China & 3D Glass Expo.
The deal represents the first acquisition of Charterhouse ownership, and represents the Group’s first move into the fast growing and strategically important electronics sector in Shenzhen, southern China.
Tarsus has told EW the value of the deal will not be disclosed.
Touch China was launched in 2006 and is now firmly established as the leading exhibition in the fast-growing 3D curved glass manufacturing sector. The exhibition is held annually at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center (SZCEC).
The 2019 edition of Touch China, held in June, attracted some 380 exhibitors covering a gross area of 37,500sqm and attracted 22,500 visitors. The event is supported by the China Communication Industry Association along with manufacturers in the industry.
According to industry sources, the global 3D glass market reached US$1.9bn in 2018, a figure which is projected to soar to $2.7bn in 2019 and to more than $8bn by 2025.
In 2018, at least 30m pieces of 3D glass were needed in China –demand that is expected to reach 170m pieces by 2025. 3D glass is expected to see rapid adoption and volume growth in a broad range of end market applications including telecommunications, consumer products, automotive, medical, and smart homes.
Commenting on the acquisition, Tarsus Chief Executive Officer Doug Emslie, said: “We are delighted to have completed our first investment under our new owners, Charterhouse Capital Partners. Touch China represents our first move into the strategically important electronics sector in Shenzhen. The Asia-Pacific region is dominating the global 3D glass market – China is undoubtedly the hub of smartphone manufacturing and in turn is the largest user of 3D glass.”
“China has long been a cornerstone of our corporate strategy and plans for future growth. This acquisition marks another important milestone in our aim to further expand our base in Shenzhen whilst giving us access to an important, growing industry.”
Mr Su Jie, Founder and CEO of Shenzhen Zhong Xin Cai Exhibition Company and Deputy Secretary General of the China Communications Industry Association, said: “Shenzhen is a showcase city for the future growth of the Chinese market and an anchor for the future development of the Greater Bay Area. I firmly believe that this deal will significantly advance our growth trajectory and international market presence as we move forward with Tarsus – their experience in delivering customer value and investing in operational excellence will benefit our customers and boost the event’s future development tremendously.”
The 2020 edition of China touch is scheduled to take place 2-4 July 2020 at the Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center.
