Asia Business Media: mergers and acquisitions

Showing posts with label mergers and acquisitions. Show all posts

Friday, June 05, 2015

dmg invests in Chinese property data market

News this week: dmg information Asia Pacific announced its venture into the Chinese property information market by investing in Funcent, a data and workflow solutions provider to real estate valuation companies and commercial banks. No financial details were disclosed.

Funcent provides a data workflow and price enquiry platform through its Cloud Appraisal System. According to dmg information, the company will increase its shareholding in Funcent over the next few years to expand its business in China, focusing particularly in the commercial real estate market in Beijing and Shanghai.

Stephen Stout, CEO of dmg information Asia Pacific said, “With our knowledge of the property markets in other countries and the similarity of the Funcent products to those provided by other dmg information companies, we believe we can bring considerable value to the business.”

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Baidu plans expansion in Latin America

News this week: According to media reports, leading Chinese-language Internet search provider, Baidu, has plans to further expand its business in Latin America following the launch of its search engine in Brazil last year.

Baidu has reportedly identified Argentina, Chile or Mexico as possible locations to set up the company’s next Latin American operation. Baidu will also aim to position itself as a service aggregator to replace disparate mobile-based apps and create a single platform to offer the services.

Baidu will reportedly rely on acquisitions or form partnerships with local services providers for its expansion plans. In October 2014, Baidu completed an acquisition in Brazil for online group buying platform, Peixe Urbano, for an undisclosed sum.

Friday, May 22, 2015

Alibaba Group acquires stake in Chinese logistics company

News this week: New York-listed Alibaba Group announced the acquisition of a minority stake in the Shanghai YTO Express (Logistics) Company. Financial details were not disclosed. Both companies plan to cooperate in developing logistics solutions to improve efficiency of China’s logistics industry.

YTO Express will work closely with Alibaba’s logistics subsidiary Cainiao to enhance the industry’s logistics management capabilities as well as international and rural delivery services. Cainiao was founded by Alibaba in 2013 in partnership with a consortium of logistics companies with the aim of building a nationwide logistics platform.

Judy Tong, senior vice president of Alibaba Group and president of Cainiao, said, “The strategic investment in YTO Express reflects our commitment to improving quality and service standards in China’s logistics industry. As a platform, we look forward to working closer with partners who share our vision to develop more efficient logistic infrastructure and solutions that will drive development of China’s logistics sector in order to fully satisfy our customers’ needs.”

Friday, May 15, 2015

Mack Brooks acquires Quartz Chemicals

News this week: Exhibition organiser, Mack Brooks Exhibitions Group, announced the acquisition of Chemspec events series and Speciality Chemicals Magazine from Quartz Group. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

Chemspec events include exhibitions in Europe, Eurasia and Asia. The annual event in Asia, Chemspec India, reportedly drew 11,000 visitors in its 2015 edition. The next edition will be held from 7^th to 8^th April 2016 at Bombay Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) in Mumbai. The monthly publication Speciality Chemicals Magazine reports a total readership of 40,000 per issue from its print and digital editions.

Mack Brooks’ chairman, Stephen Brooks, said, “We’re very pleased to have made an agreement to acquire Quartz Chemicals Ltd together with the Chemspec Events and the Speciality Chemicals Magazine. The events, magazine and staff are long-established and highly respected in their sector and we know that Mack Brooks will provide the continuity, investment and customer-focused approach that will enable the business to prosper in the future.”

Friday, May 08, 2015

EEA acquires Australian Tattoo & Body Art Expos

News this week: Earlier this week, Australian exhibition organiser, Exhibitions and Events Australia (EEA), announced the acquisition of Australian Tattoo & Body Art Expos from Toro Media. The new ownership was in effect on 1^st May 2015. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

The Australian Tattoo & Body Art Expos are held annually in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, showcasing tattoo artists from Australia and around the world. The shows reportedly attract more than 40,000 visitors every year.

Matthew Johnson, director of Toro Media, said “EEA is perfectly placed to take over these successful and very colourful events. Phil and I are excited about this change and the benefits to exhibitors it will bring. They are an entrepreneurial business that is one of the best exhibition organisers in the country.”

Friday, February 13, 2015

Alibaba to invest in handset manufacturer, Meizu

News this week: China’s leading e-commerce company, Alibaba Group, announced it invested US$590 million in exchange for a minority stake in Meizu, a smartphone manufacturer based in China.

Under the terms of the deal, Alibaba and Meizu will cooperate to develop Meizu’s hardware and Alibaba’s mobile operating system. Alibaba will provide Meizu with resources and support in e-commerce, mobile Internet, mobile operating system and data analysis for developing Meizu’s smartphone ecosystem, while Alibaba’s online shopping marketplaces will become distribution channels for Meizu’s smartphones and other devices.

Jian Wang, chief technology officer of Alibaba Group, said, “The investment in Meizu represents a significant expansion of the Alibaba Group ecosystem and an important step in our overall mobile strategy as we strive to bring users a wider array of mobile offerings and experiences.”

Friday, February 06, 2015

Reed Exhibitions buys Australian online medical platform

News this week: This week, Reed Exhibitions announced the acquisition of ThinkGP from GenesisEd Pty. Ltd. for an undisclosed sum. ThinkGP is an Australia-based accredited online education platform for general practitioners (GPs) and healthcare professionals. The organiser aims to provide additional online content to support its face-to-face events.

ThinkGP will be integrated into the Reed Medical Education division alongside the General Practitioner Conference & Exhibition (GPCE) portfolio of events, which are held annually in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. The staff team of ThinkGP will join up with Reed Medical Education together with Dr John Crimmins, owner and CEO of GenesisEd, who will move into a senior consultancy role.

Brian Thomas, managing director of Reed Exhibitions Australia, said, “We believe that this strategic acquisition is the right move for Reed Exhibitions and for ThinkGP. It will enable healthcare educators and suppliers to engage with the primary healthcare sector through a multi-channel approach, which is what our customers have been asking us to provide. It will help to enhance their businesses and also deliver them a superior product offering to support GPs, nurses, practice staff and other primary healthcare professionals.”

ITE acquires Diversified’s Indian entertainment technology shows

News this week: Earlier this week, the ITE Group, announced the acquisition of Diversified Communications’ India-based entertainment technology portfolio for an undisclosed amount. The co-located events, PALM Expo and Music Expo, along with two publications, Pro Sound Systems and Studio Systems, will be managed by ITE’s Indian partner company, Asian Business Exhibitions and Conferences (ABEC).

Russell Taylor, chief executive of ITE, commented, “We have a growing business in India and we’re committed to further strengthening our position in Asia as well as expanding the diversity of the sectors that we cover globally. The PALM portfolio fits well with our strategic growth plans.” Manish Gandhi, COO of ABEC, added, “We are excited to work with the existing PALM management team to take this exciting portfolio to new heights.”

Separately, ITE released an interim management statement for the quarter ending 31^st December 2014. Management reported the group’s performance in the first quarter of the financial year was in line with expectations and largely unaffected by the economic slowdown in Russia. Revenue for the quarter was US$38.9 million (£25.4 million), up from US$55.7 million (£36.3 million) in Q1 2013. Adjusted for biennial cycling effects, like-for-like (constant currency) revenues for the quarter are down 4% over the same period in 2013 (down 18% on an actual currency basis).

Friday, January 30, 2015

UBM Asia acquires textile printing expo CSTPF

News this week: Earlier this week, UBM Asia announced the acquisition of digital textile printing trade show China (Shanghai) International Printing Industry Expo (CSTPF) from SUNEXPO Exhibition. UBM added that Mr. Gong Changming, general manager of CSTPF, will continue to lead the CSTPF staff and the team will join UBM China’s Shanghai office. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

CSTPF was launched by SUNEXPO in 2009. The 2013 edition of CSTPF attracted 158 exhibitors and occupied gross space of 12,000 m² at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). More than 15,200 visitors and buyers attended the show, including overseas visitors from Italy, the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Japan, Korea, Russia, India, Thailand, and Iran.

Jimé Essink, president & CEO of UBM Asia, commented, “We are entering a dynamic new sector through the acquisition of CSTPF. Textile and apparel is one of the largest and most important industries in China. The development of digital printing has accelerated with the drive for innovation and technological transformation in China to upgrade this industry. Today’s fast fashion characterised by small lot and customised printing adds further demand for digital printing.”

Friday, January 23, 2015

Reed Exhibitions reveals acquisition of new joint venture

News this week: Further to an announcement made in November 2014, Reed Exhibitions Greater China has revealed its partnership agreement with Shanghai Kuozhan Exhibitions, the organiser of C-TOUCH, resulted in the formation of a new joint venture (JV) – Reed Exhibitions Kuozhan. Reed Exhibitions did not previously acknowledge this, but it appears that the partnership is in fact an acquisition.

Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed. The JV will form part of Reed’s portfolio of five China-based events serving the wider electronics industry, which together cover more than 150,000 m² of gross exhibition space. C-TOUCH is held twice each year – in Shenzhen in November and in Shanghai in May – and focuses on touch screen technology including touch panels, manufacturing materials, components and equipment, and other touch screen products.

Nat Wong, president of Reed Exhibitions Greater China, noted, “I am proud to welcome yet another dynamic team to the Reed family. C-TOUCH is an exciting addition to our electronics manufacturing and assembly portfolio. This highly-successful event goes beyond the limits of show floor exhibits by offering suppliers and buyers an effective platform to conduct business while networking with industry experts and potential partners at all points of the market chain. I am confident that we will work together to not only fulfil, but exceed client expectations.”

Friday, January 16, 2015

Clarion Events acquired by Providence Equity

News this week: London-headquartered Clarion Events was recently acquired by global asset management firm Providence Equity. According to media reports, the deal was announced to Clarion staff on 9^th January and worth more than US$303 million.

Other bidders in the acquisition reportedly included ITE Group, Penton Media, Charterhouse Capital Partners and Carlyle Group LP. Providence Equity is a leading global investor specialising in media, communications, education and information industries. The asset management firm is expected to invest heavily in Clarion to begin an aggressive expansion strategy that will involve large and small international acquisitions.

Clarion employs more than 500 staff globally and operates offices in the U.S., Germany, Brazil, Singapore, UAE, the Netherlands, Turkey and South Africa. The company organises more than 200 events worldwide in various industries including telecommunications, defence and security, life sciences, oil and gas, as well as consumer events in gaming, travel, housing and parenting.

ITE acquires transport shows from AXIO Data

News this week: Last month, international exhibition organiser, ITE Group plc, acquired the Breakbulk series of exhibitions and related media from AXIO Data for a maximum consideration of US$42 million.

Breakbulk events are held annually in Houston, Antwerp, Shanghai, Johannesburg, Istanbul and Sao Paulo, serving the transport and logistics equipment market for large-scale projects. A print and digital magazine for the global breakbulk community will also be included in the deal. The current management team will remain with the business.

ITE’s CEO, Russell Taylor, said, “ITE is continuing to build businesses in strategically important industry sectors and the acquisition of Breakbulk increases our presence in the global transport and logistics sector. This complementary move represents progress in achieving the Group’s ambitions to expand its operations in markets and geographies with further potential for growth as well as continuing to diversify the geo-political risk in our portfolio.”

Friday, October 24, 2014

Diversified Communications acquires HRM Asia

News this week: Last week, U.S.-headquartered Diversified Communications announced the acquisition of Singapore-based media company HRM Asia. HRM Asia’s 27 staff members will continue to be led by HRM Asia’s general manager Kaveri Ayahsamy. Terms of the deal were not undisclosed. The deal was assisted by exhibition specialist brokers Mayfield Media Strategies.

The acquisition of HRM Asia will see the additions of HR Summit, the HRM Congress series, HRM Magazine and HRM Online to Diversified’s portfolio of more than 175 events, eMedia products and print magazines. According to Diversified, its global operations of 850 staff now extends to eight countries and regions including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Thailand, the U.K. and U.S.

Matt Pearce, Diversified’s international director, commented, “We are acquiring HRM Asia because it fits well with our model of working across a variety of touch points within a community. We see the opportunity to expand the business both locally and internationally.”

Friday, August 01, 2014

UBM acquires Seatrade Communications

News this week: UBM plc announced its acquisition of long-term partner, Seatrade Communications Ltd, a global B2B media company focused on the maritime industries. The two companies have partnered on various maritime events in the past. Seatrade’s executive chairman and owner, Chris Hayman, will remain as chairman of the business.

Seatrade’s portfolio of global events includes Seatrade Latin America Cruise Convention, Seatrade Middle East Cruise Forum, Sea Asia in Singapore, Seatrade Middle East Maritime in Dubai, and Seatrade Offshore Marine and Workboats Middle East in Abu Dhabi. These events are supported by various online and print publications including Seatrade Cruise Review, Seatrade Insider, Seatrade Global portal and Seatrade Magazine.

Michael Duck, UBM’s global maritime director and executive vp of UBM Asia, commented, “We have enjoyed a successful partnership with Seatrade for many years, and are delighted to now bring UBM and Seatrade together as one business to better serve our community of customers, delegates and readers across the maritime world. The unified portfolio and management structure will create a simplified, coherent and stronger global offering for our clients.”

Friday, July 18, 2014

Messe Frankfurt acquires 2 shows from Indian organiser

News this week: Messe Frankfurt announced the acquisition of two trade shows in India through its subsidiary Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd. The international organiser acquired the LED Expo and Media Expo from New Delhi-headquartered Media Exposition & Events (MEX) for an undisclosed sum.

LED Expo and Media Expo are focused on the LED lighting and components market and the signage, retail and advertising solutions industry respectively. Both shows were promoted by MEX Exhibitions Pvt Ltd. According to Messe Frankfurt, the newly acquired shows will take the total number of events organised by Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India to 14.

Mr Gaurav Jeet Singh, director of MEX, said “We will continue to work closely with Messe Frankfurt to ensure a smooth transition and to further enhance these two events as they enter the next stage in their development. We also look forward to cooperating together with Messe Frankfurt on other events in India in the future as the opportunity arises.”

Friday, June 13, 2014

ITE acquires 50% stake in Indonesia’s Debindo

News this week: International exhibition organiser, ITE Group plc, has expanded its operations in Southeast Asia with the acquisition of a 50% stake in Indonesia-based organiser, PT Debindo Unggul Buana Makmur (DUBM), for an undisclosed amount. The completion of the acquisition is subject to the approval of the Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board – BKPM. Exhibition specialist brokers, Mayfield Media Strategies, represented DUBM in the deal.

According to ITE, the original shareholders of DUBM will continue to manage the business. DUBM are the owners of the Indobuildtech Expo portfolio, which is held in Surabaya, Jakarta, Makassar, Bandung, and Bali. Indobuildtech Expo will join ITE’s Build&Interiors portfolio, which includes shows in Moscow, Istanbul, Almaty, and Mumbai. The Jakarta edition, the largest of the Indobuildtech Expo series, is held annually and covers approximately 12,000 m² of net space and attracts over 33,000 visitors.

ITE’s Chief Executive Russell Taylor commented, “This acquisition delivers on two strategic fronts for us. It further strengthens our market position in the building & interiors sector which is our largest single vertical market and one in which we have considerable depth of knowledge and expertise. Secondly, it adds to our presence in the region’s largest market – Indonesia. It is a country with a strong economy and immense potential.”

Friday, April 11, 2014

Northstar acquires Singapore’s WIT

News this week: U.S.-based B2B media firm, Northstar Travel Media, announced its second Asia acquisition in a month with the purchase of Singapore-based Web In Travel (WIT), an online community and events organiser focused on the intersection of travel and technology.

In a deal estimated to be worth less than US$5 million, WIT’s business portfolio will join Northstar Travel Media Singapore, a newly formed subsidiary resulting from Northstar’s purchase of several travel trade magazines from Contineo Media in March (Contineo Media was formerly known as Ten Alps Communications).

Yeoh Siew Hoon, founder and editor of WIT, will become editorial director of Northstar Travel Media Asia, reporting to Bob Sullivan, executive vice president of Northstar Travel Media. The remaining WIT team will continue to operate its business as usual.

Friday, April 04, 2014

Australia’s Cirrus Media acquires FST Media

News this week: Australia-based B2B media company, Cirrus Media (formerly Reed Business Information Australia), has acquired FST Media for an undisclosed sum. FST Media is a leading producer of technology conferences and specialist publications for the banking and financial services sector in the Asia Pacific region.

Under the terms of agreement, FST Media will retain its brand with the addition of several new key vertical markets to its current portfolio. FST Media’s managing directors, John Todd and Angela Horvat, will remain in their posts and become shareholders of Cirrus Media.

Jeremy Knibbs, CEO of Cirrus Media, said, “Cirrus Media is excited at the prospect to extend FST Media’s expertise in conferencing and specialist publications across our portfolio. Meanwhile, FST Media will further benefit from Cirrus Media’s strength in developing media brands, particularly through deeper digital engagement and content.”

Friday, March 21, 2014

Tarsus successfully acquires 50% stake in Shenzhen event

News this week: U.K.-based organiser, Tarsus, has received final regulatory approval for its acquisition of a 50% stake in the China (Shenzhen) International Branded Underwear Fair (SIUF). Tarsus acquired the stake from Zhang Fengwei & Associates. The deal was brokered by Mayfield Media Strategies.

SIUF was launched in 2006 and the 2013 edition covered a net space of almost 16,000 m². Currently, the event is largely a domestic exhibition, but the partnership with Tarsus will enable SIUF to internationalise, and add to the exhibitor base of Tarsus’ “OffPrice” Show of which lingerie is an important category.

Douglas Emslie, managing director of Tarsus commented, “We are delighted to add SIUF, a market leading exhibition to our portfolio. China is an important market for us and this acquisition fits with our “Quickening the Pace” strategy as well as providing synergies with our Off-Price shows in the US. This acquisition will consolidate our position in this fast growth market.”

Friday, March 14, 2014

Diversified acquires Australian building management show

News this week: Diversified Communications Australia has announced the acquisition of Total Facilities Expo from the Australian exhibition organiser, National Media. The show was recently held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 4^th to 5^th March 2014. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

Total Facilities Expo is reportedly Australia’s largest exhibition serving the building and facilities management industry. Industry products and services represented include maintenance and repair products, predictive and preventative maintenance technologies, energy reduction and management solutions, workplace safety, security and interiors.

Matt Pearce, managing director of Diversified Communications, commented, “We look forward to working with the Facility Management Association and thought leaders within the industry to continue growing and developing the show. It is estimated that the facility management industry employs over 200,000 workers and contributes over A$20 million to the Australian economy, making it a very valuable opportunity and addition to our trade and professional offering.”