Informa plc, the world’s largest publically owned organiser of exhibitions, conferences and training events, Thursday announced two strategic acquisitions in Brazil.

Informa has acquired Brasil Trade Shows Partners Participacoes S.A. (BTS). BTS is a leading organiser of trade shows in the Food & Beverage Services, Furniture Manufacturing and Franchising sectors, with leading brands including Fispal, ABF and ForMobile.  BTS has been acquired from DLJ South American Partners LP.

In addition, Informa has acquired Ibratexpo Feiras e Eventos Ltda which includes Serigrafia, the largest sign, screen and digital imaging show in South America from the Alatzatianou family.

The combined maximum cash consideration payable is BRL 210m (£81m).  Informa expects these acquisitions to be earnings enhancing in 2011 and to enhance the Group’s return on capital in 2012.

These acquisitions will further strengthen Informa’s global exhibition operations.  Serigrafia enhances Informa’s leading position in the print sector alongside IPEX, one of the world’s largest print related exhibitions.  

BTS provides a platform for growth in South America and strengthens Informa’s experience in the strategically important food sector.  Furthermore, the strength of its brands will provide Informa with attractive geo-cloning opportunities.

Commenting on the acquisitions Peter Rigby, Chief Executive, of Informa said the acquisitions are consistent with two of the company’s strategic goals; growing its trade show business and expanding its presence in emerging markets.
 
BTS is an exceptionally well-managed trade show organiser with an enviable reputation in one of the world’s most dynamic and fast growing regions.  Serigrafia provides the perfect platform on which to expand the company’s print portfolio in the emerging markets, said Rigby.  

Informa was formed in December 1998 by the merger of IBC Group plc and LLP (Lloyd’s of London Press). Since then, the continual growth and vision of the company has been built around the supply of high quality, proprietary business-to-business knowledge through some of the longest-standing brands in the world of publishing, conferences, exhibitions and training.

Mergers with the Taylor & Francis Group, a world-leading academic publisher in 2004, plus the acquisition of IIR Holdings and Datamonitor in 2005 and 2007 respectively, have built on Informa’s strategy to expand its business through both acquisition and organic growth.

Today, Informa is a progressive and successful international business headquartered in Switzerland with many industry leading products and services in niche markets around the world.

9th June 2011