GLOBUS Events, formerly known as VNU Exhibitions Asia, has implemented an ambitious expansion strategy, backed by Advent International (“Advent”). After becoming part of Advent’s portfolio, GLOBUS Events has concluded majority acquisitions of three exhibitions across China, in key sectors where GLOBUS already organizes leading events in China and the rest of Asia. The investments were in Powder Metallurgy (PM) China, International Exhibition for Advanced Ceramics (IACE) China and China Pet Expo (CPE). This is a testament to GLOBUS Events’ rapid development and its continuing key role in the industry.
“These acquisitions align with our strategy to grow our portfolio within the industries we presently serve,” said Edwin Tan, CEO of GLOBUS Events. “Together with our shareholder, Advent International, we are committed to expanding and enhancing our crucial role as the organizer 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.” concluded Tan.
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 45,000 square meters and welcomed more than 60,000 professional visitors.
The acquisitions further add to GLOBUS Events’ industry reach, which includes TCT Asia, the most influential 3D printing and additive manufacturing event in the Asia-Pacific region. 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 40,000 square meters 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, is one of the largest pet products exhibitions in northern China, taking place annually in Beijing with an exhibition area in excess of 100,000 square meters. This investment further adds to GLOBUS Event’s pet portfolio, which includes the world’s largest pet show held annually in Shanghai, Pet Fair Asia.