Leading global B2B events organiser UBM plc has announced that it has agreed to acquire Allworld Exhibitions for US$485mn, strengthening its leading position in Asia and providing it with an entry into the Middle East
UK-headquartered Allworld operates more than 50 exhibitions in the Middle East and Asia across sectors including food and hospitality, processing and packaging, oil, ICT and machinery industries. These include the biennial oil and gas focused Middle East Oil Show (MEOS), Middle East Petrotech and GEO exhibitions in Bahrain.
According to UBM, the acquisition strongly complements its existing portfolio, particularly in food and hospitality, and packaging and manufacturing, while providing it with an entry into the oil and gas market.
Commenting on the acquisition, Tim Cobbold, CEO of UBM, said, “The acquisition of Allworld is wholly in line with our Events First strategy and represents an exceptional opportunity to accelerate growth by investing in a high-quality events business. In so doing we cement our position as the leading events business in Asia and achieve the number one position in the fast-growing ASEAN region. We see excellent opportunities to accelerate organic growth in the business.
“Allworld’s management and employees bring tremendous experience and expertise to UBM, and I look forward to working with them to realise the growth potential of the combined business.”
