Informa’s digital drive with Industry Dive

Informa has doubled down on efforts to improve its digital services through the acquisition of a business journalism publisher.

The move involves the takeover of Industry Dive, which has a portfolio of more than 25 brands which focus in on specific sectors.

It signals a clear push for better digital services to keep event communities engaged year-round through content.

This week also saw Italian Exhibition Group reveal its strategic plan, ASM Global is partnering with the Malaysian Government for APAC expansion and Messe Frankfurt revealed big losses in 2021 – but remains confident.

Hyve Group has also announced that it will sell its Ukrainian business but remains supportive to create a seamless handover.

Informa acquires Industry Dive in digital drive

Informa has acquired Industry Dive as it expands its digital services through specialist business journalism.

Takeover of the Washington DC-based publisher came at a reported cost of $389 million, with the its portfolio including 27 brands such as BioPharma Dive, Construction Dive and Cybersecurity Dive – with a total audience of 13 million.

The move by Informa Tech is part of ongoing efforts to improve its digital offerings which can work alongside live events, with a number of in-person shows expected for these big names.

We're excited to be welcoming @industrydive to the Informa Tech team soon!https://t.co/uxpRovx5O8 #audienceengagement #marketingservices #digitalcontent pic.twitter.com/xGVOn9uWOX

— Informa Tech (@InformaTechHQ) July 19, 2022

Stephen Carter, Informa Group CEO, said: “Our improving performance enables us to embark on further market and geographic expansion, including the acquisition today of Industry Dive which further enhances our B2B digital services portfolio.”

“Industry Dive, which like Informa champions the specialist, has repurposed the traditional B2B publishing model for specialist markets in the digital age.

“It provides high quality digital content and business journalism to 13 million decision makers through its 27 specialist Dives.”

The group also pre-released preliminary figures for the six months to June 30. These numbers confirm strong growth in revenues, adjusted operating profit and cashflows and the return of ordinary dividends.

Informa will file its full set of interim results as a matter of record on July 28. Its underlying revenue growth is expected to be more than 40% and underlying adjusted operating profit growth over 120%.

IEG to aims for €267m turnover in 2027

The Italian Exhibition Group has unveiled a new strategic plan with the aim to exceed pre-pandemic revenue by almost 50% in 2027.

Its route forward seeks to achieve marked development of €267 million in turnover and an adjusted EBITDA1 which will rise from €13m in 2022 to €69m in five years.

IEG´s 2022/2027 Strategic Plan, which was unanimously approved by board of directors, consists of a strong approach to development that aims to reach more than 49% in revenue compared to 2019.

Corrado Peraboni, CEO, said: “The Strategic Plan outlines the growth perspective with an Italy-foreign strategy that aims to position the group among the top global players in terms of profitability, generating value for all stakeholders, and also looks to accelerate internationalisation in high-potential, non-European markets.”

IEG has set a target of becoming the community catalyst for the industries it represents at its events.

Tradeshows will become an element support throughout the year through the integrated use of regional and international events that accompany the main show held in Italy.

It will also include investments into making processes digital and upgrading the infrastructures that host IEG´s leading exhibitions.

ASM Global makes deal with Malaysian Government

ASM Global has expanded its Asia-Pacific presence in a strategic partnership with the Malaysian Government.

The move sees the business team up with the Ministry of Youth and Sports via Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia to enhance existing operations and event activity at the Kuala Lumpur Sports City precinct.

It comes as a further step forward in the government’s ambition to see the National Sports Precinct at Bukit Jalil develop a world-class reputation as the host of leading sports, entertainment and community events.

CEO of Malaysia Stadium Corporation, Mr. Mohd Faidz Sanusi and ASM Global Vice President Mr. Ed Sanderson exchanging documents in London today after signing a strategic partnership to see Kuala Lumpur Sports City as a world-class venue for sports, entertainment & community events pic.twitter.com/4OWTp76yqX

— Stadium.Malaysia 🏟️🇲🇾 (@StadiumMalaysia) July 23, 2022

ASM CEO Ron Bension said: “We’re on a robust growth curve in this part of the world. The Kuala Lumpur Sports City precinct is representative of the types of projects we’re championing that significantly enrich the venue benefits and utilize our vast international expertise and best practices.”

This will expand ASM Global’s footprint in Asia with the addition of a big name sports and events precinct, including the 87,400-seat Malaysia National Stadium.

It is the largest stadium in Asia outside North Korea and is now the largest stadium in the company’s worldwide collection.

Messe Frankfurt confident of return to form despite losses

Messe Frankfurt has said it remains confident despite revealing worse losses in 2021 than the previous year.

The Germany-based organiser had sales of €154 million last year, down from €257m in the 12 months beforehand.

That compares to €736m in the year before the outbreak of coronavirus, however the planner remains positive numbers will return to around €400m in 2022.

Wolfgang Marzin, CEO, said: “The high level of interest in events held under the Messe Frankfurt umbrella, both in Germany and internationally, permits us to look to the future with confidence and optimism.

“If everything goes according to plan, if we are free to organise trade fairs – and, in turn, if the event business continues to return to normal – we expect sales for the current financial year to be more than €400m.”

The cause of struggling numbers in 2021 was out down to how many of the organiser’s events were cancelled.

Hyve sells Ukrainian business

Hyve has announced it is selling its Ukrainian business for a deal worth up to £3 million.

Operations will be taken on by ProExpo in a management buy-out led by Anatoly Sushon, managing director of the firm there.

The London-based events organiser said it will receive up to £3m via an earnout consideration, to be paid annually until September 2027 based on profitability.

Mark Shashoua, CEO said: “Premier Expo, our Ukrainian business, has been a valued part of Hyve for over 20 years. We care deeply about the employees and their families and have supported them through these challenging times.

“Both parties believe that by transitioning ownership to the experienced and committed local management team, the business will have the agility to recover for the future.”

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