Messe Frankfurt acquires Forest Exhibitions, sets up new UK subsidiary
The move comes as the organisation looks to grow its global reach
Messe Frankfurt has acquired UK company Forest Exhibitions in a bid to expand its international reach, MI Focus has reported.
In the last financial year, more than 560 exhibitors and around 15,300 visitors travelled from the UK to trade shows in Frankfurt. Wolfgang Marzin, president and CEO of Messe Frankfurt, explained the reasons behind the acquisition: “It is important for our company to promote commercial exchanges at European and global level at our 30 trade fair locations around the world. In addition, the UK is an attractive trade fair and export market for our international customers.
“Even Shakespeare, one of the most important figures in world literature, was aware of the importance of trade links between the United Kingdom and Germany in his day. He made mention of the ‘Frankfurt mart’ and the trading activities with his homeland there in his play ‘The Merchant of Venice’. Another important strategic factor for us today is the proximity to our British partners and organisers who are regular visitors to Frankfurt.”
Former event director of Forest Exhibitions, Simon Albert, has been appointed managing director of the new subsidiary and is “proud to be part of one of the largest trade fair companies in the world and to contribute to its success from the UK”.
He succeeds succeeds previous owner Rob Sherwood, who will continue to represent Messe Frankfurt in international sales with his company Sherwood Event Services.
Source: mi-pro.co.uk
