Infopro Digital to acquire B2B publisher DOCUgroup

InfoPro DigitalInfopro Digital group is to enter into the acquisition of DOCUgroup, taking a major step in its international expansion. The acquisition will be financed with additional indebtedness, available cash on hand at the group level and an equity contribution from the shareholders of Infopro Digital group. The majority shareholder of Infopro Digital, alongside management of the group, is TowerBrook. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

DOCUgroup is a leader in Germany, Austria and Switzerland in business information for the construction, architecture and real estate industries.

DOCUgroup has two main activities: Project Information, whose flagship brand is IBAU, an online subscription platform that references almost 1 million private and public real estate projects; and Product Information, with leading brands such as Heinze and Baunetz, which are digital platforms that enable architects and planners to access databases and detailed information for over 500,000 products. These platforms attract around 15 million online visits each year.

Infopro Digital also offers services to professionals in the building industry in France, Belgium and the Netherlands through Le Moniteur and Vecteur Plus.

Over 500 employees will join the Infopro Digital group, to bring the total to more than 3,200 people worldwide. DOCUgroup generates a turnover of 67 million EUR, which will allow Infopro Digital to reach a turnover of approximately 440 million EUR once the acquisition is completed.

Christophe Czajka, Executive Chairman of Infopro Digital, said,“With the acquisition of DOCUgroup, we become a truly European BtB and Data company. The share of our turnover generated outside of France increased from 14% to 35% in less than a year. Over 1,300 group employees will be based in Germany, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Belgium, Portugal, Austria, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, the United States, Hong Kong, and Tunisia.”

Julien Elmaleh, CEO of Infopro Digital, added, “The DOCUgroup DNA fits perfectly with that of Infopro Digital: databases and digital platforms allowing professionals to develop their commercial activity and have detailed and high quality business information. Combined, we will have an unmatched offer for professionals in the building industry”.

France, Ile-de-France & Germany, Munich

Diversified Communications acquires Digital Construction Week

diversified communicationsDiversified Communications has acquired Digital Construction Week, adding to their building, construction and technology portfolio of events. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Digital Construction Week is the United Kingdom’s leading trade show dedicated to digital construction, engineering, design, manufacturing, and operation. The latest, and fourth edition, was held at ExCeL in London in October. It doubled its 2017 attendance, attracted 6,500 visitors, 200 exhibitors and 250 speakers, presenting across 6 stages with a dedicated conference stream. The next Digital Construction Week takes place at ExCeL London on October 17-18 2019.

This event complements Diversified’s industry leading event portfolio with market reach across four countries. Events include GEO Business in London, Commercial UAV Expo Europe in Amsterdam, DesignBUILD in Sydney, and in the United States: AEC Next Technology Expo & Conference and SPAR 3D in Anaheim, CA; International LiDAR Mapping Forum in Denver, CO; and Commercial UAV Expo Americas in Las Vegas, NV.

Diversified’s President & CEO, Theodore Wirth, said, “These synergies, in addition to our shared values and commitment to our customers through a long-term vision and industry expertise, make this a perfect fit. We are very pleased to welcome the event’s co-founders Luke Collings and Oliver Hughes and their talented show team to our growing UK division, under Managing Director Carsten Holm.”

USA, Portland, ME & UK, London

Access Intelligence acquires P3C Media

Access IntelligenceMedia and information company Access Intelligence has acquired P3C Media, owner of The Public-Private Partnership (P3) Conference and Expo, the leading education and networking event for P3 leaders from government and industry to discuss infrastructure challenges and innovations in project delivery, procurement, life cycle asset management and solutions. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Founded in 2012 by P3C Media President Eric Iravani, the company’s premier events attract senior representatives from government, higher education institutions, and leading firms in the global construction and financial markets. Today, P3C Media has several vertical events that surround their flagship Public-Private Partnership Conference, including: The P3 Water Summit, The P3 Airport Summit, The P3 Higher Education Summit and The P3 Federal Conference.

Don Pazour, CEO of Access Intelligence, said, “P3C Media has been at the forefront of the burgeoning private-public partnership space for many years and has firmly established itself as the market leader for bringing together top government, industry and financial leaders across several verticals in the P3 marketplace. We are delighted to add the P3C Media brand to our company’s portfolio, to welcome an extremely talented team into our family, and to fast-track our leadership position in the P3 marketplace.”

Upcoming P3C Media events include The P3 Federal Conference Nov. 27-28 in Washington, DC and The Public-Private Conference & Expo, March 4-6 in Dallas, TX. The Public-Private Partnership Conference & Expo is one of the largest gatherings of government and construction professionals in the United States.

USA, Rockville, MD & New York, NY

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Informa completes the takeover of UBM

InformaInforma has completed the takeover of UBM. The new Informa Group will employ more than 11,000 people. It will own and operate a portfolio of more than 500 exhibitions brands in 15 industry verticals including Health & Nutrition, Life Sciences & Pharma, and Real Estate & Construction. In addition, it will own a portfolio of confex/conference brands, a range of specialist information and intelligence brands; plus have capabilities in B2B consulting and marketing service.

The board of Informa will be as follows:

  • Derek Mapp (Non-Executive Chairman)
  • Greg Lock (Deputy Chairman)
  • Stephen A. Carter CBE (Chief Executive)
  • Gareth Wright (Group Finance Director)
  • Gareth Bullock (Senior Independent Non-Executive Director)
  • Mary McDowell (Non-Executive Director)
  • David Wei (Non-Executive Director)
  • Helen Owers (Non-Executive Director)
  • Cindy Rose (Non-Executive Director)
  • Stephen Davidson (Non-Executive Director
  • David Flaschen (Non-Executive Director)
  • John Rishton (Non-Executive Director)

Company announcements:

Previous reporting

UK, London

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Informa

UBM

 

KHL Group acquires Diesel & Gas Turbine Publications

KHL GroupGlobal construction information publisher KHL Group is acquiring the USA-based publisher Diesel & Gas Turbine Publication Group. USA-based D&GTP, founded in 1935 and located in Wisconsin, is a leading publisher of information for the on-highway, off-highway, stationary and marine engine-powered equipment markets. It focuses on the construction and agriculture, power generation and commercial vehicle equipment sectors through its North American magazine Diesel Progress and globally through Diesel Progress International. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

D&GTP directors Mike Osenga and Mike Brezonick have built an international reputation for their magazines, directories and websites. They will continue to lead the company while working closely with Trevor Pease, KHL Americas’ President and James King, Managing Director of KHL Group.

James King explained, “This is a fantastic opportunity for KHL to grow by acquiring three market leading publications, digital media and directories. Diesel Progress has a great brand, great heritage and is run by great people. We will build upon the company’s clear strengths and make it even stronger. Massive technological and environmental changes are underway in the design of engine powered equipment. A trusted source of global information is needed now more than at any time in the past.”

UK, Wadhurst & USA, Waukesha, WI

dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa acquires exhibitions and publication from Hypenica

dmg MEAAdmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa has acquired five exhibitions, and an associated publication, focused on the construction and transport infrastructure sectors from South African media company Hypenica. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The events, African Construction Expo, Cape Construction Expo and KZN Construction Expo are a natural fit within dmg events’ existing construction portfolio. African Ports Evolution Forum and African Ports Evolution Forum – West Africa add a complementary transport element to the company’s existing customer base across industries such as construction, mining, power and logistics. Finally, Concrete Trends and its digital platform http://www.concrete.tv gives dmg events an established channel through which to support the events as well as deliver content and up to date business information all year round.

Matt Denton, President of dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa, said, “We know Africa is a key geography for the future growth of our business, as well as those of our exhibitors and visitors. Adding these five events and the accompanying respected trade media to our portfolio is an excellent way to expand our regional reach, enabling us to leverage our sector expertise in new markets”.

KZN Construction Expo will be the first event to take place under new ownership, with the exhibition set to kick off in Durban, South Africa, on February 7 2018, followed by the African Construction Expo in Johannesburg in May.

UAE, Dubai & South Africa, Cape Town

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ITE Group acquires a minority stake in ABEC in India

ITEAirgate Holdings Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of exhibitions business ITE Group, has acquired 28.3% of the shares of Asian Business Exhibitions & Conferences Ltd. (ABEC) from Qatari Investment bank QInvest. The total consideration is c. INR (Indian Rupees) 1,227 million (£14 million), which is payable in cash on completion. The acquisition will be funded from existing cash resources and agreed debt facilities. There are arrangements in place to enable ITE to increase its shareholding in future.

ABEC generated profits of INR 140 million (£1.6 million) in the year ended 31 March 2012 on revenues of c. INR 1.1 billion (£12.5 ABECmillion) and had gross assets of INR 1,724 million (£20 million) at completion.

ABEC run 19 exhibitions in India across 11 vertical markets including construction, architecture, design, education, lifestyle, real estate, and oil & gas. ABEC’s 8% market share makes it India’s largest private exhibition organiser.

Commenting on the acquisition, ITE’s Chief Executive Officer, Russell Taylor, said:

“ABEC has a quality portfolio of events with strong market positions in sectors where ITE has an established presence such as construction, oil & gas and security. ABEC’s events in the construction and design sector total more than 65,000m2 net of sold exhibition space, giving ITE an interest in India’s dominant trade shows for this growing sector.

“With expertise in this sector and its strong international sales network, ITE can deliver significant value to ABEC’s business. Along with ITE’s current business in India, this gives ITE a leading position in a dynamic region with an exhibition industry that is currently experiencing strong growth.”

ITE also announced its preliminary results today for the year to 30th September 2012. The financial highlights are below:

  • Revenues up 11% to £172m ; Headline profits up 3% to £53m
  • Net cash of £20.0m at 30th November 2012
  • £95m of revenues booked for 2013

Full details here

UK, London & India, Mumbai

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