Belgium-based Creaplan Group has acquired Whitespace Group, the UK leader in premium modular exhibition stand design and build. The deal follows a shareholder re-structuring earlier this year.
Whitespace Group's three main brands—Skyline Whitespace (exhibition stand design and build), Whitespace XPO (full-service organiser contractor), and WhiteboxGo (portable display stands)—are now set to join Creaplan’s portfolio of companies.
Mary Cole, CEO of Whitespace Group, noted the longstanding connection, shared ethos, and mutual admiration between the two companies, stemmed from a decade-long partnership through Aluvision, founded by Creaplan’s Ann Vancoille and Dirk Deleu.
"Over the past five years, Creaplan has achieved substantial growth, both organically and through acquisitions. Whitespace Group, headquartered in London, has built a strong global reputation for its creative design and customer-centric approach," Cole said.
Creaplan CEO Michael Debaveye described the UK market, especially London, as a key hub, with its high concentration of multinationals and strategic links to the US, facilitated by Skyline Whitespace’s established US client base.
He highlighted Brexit's logistical challenges, noting that delays across the Channel had complicated supply chains. However, with Whitespace’s London hub, Creaplan now has the infrastructure to streamline operations across the UK and Europe.
Debaveye said: "Like us, Whitespace operates as a premium stand builder with A-brands like Moody’s, Capgemini, Hilton, and Bayer. We both excel in design, technology, finishing, timing, and support."
Whitespace Group is also recognised for its sustainability efforts, with a focus on recyclable materials and a commitment to 100% renewable energy in production.
Known for its reusable, cost-effective solutions anchored by its flagship product, Aluvision, Whitespace has garnered numerous environmental, social, and governance (ESG) awards.
With its current operations split 20% in the Benelux region and 80% across the rest of Europe, Creaplan aims to further expand into Southern Europe, particularly in Barcelona, Milan, and Munich.
Creaplan’s board chairman, Walter Mastelinck, said: “In time, we aspire to cover experiential marketing across all of Europe, offering regional service to our clients."
