Charterhouse Capital Partners has entered into an agreement with Unibail-Rodamco SE and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris Ile-de-France (CCIR) to take over Unibail’s 50 percent stake in Comexposium, the world’s 4th largest exhibitions organiser. The transaction, expected to complete in Q2 2015, values Comexposium at €550m.
Charterhouse Capital Partners has entered into an agreement to acquire a 50% stake in Comexposium, the world’s 4th largest trade show organiser. Plural Strategy Group supported Charterhouse with strategic due diligence.
Comexposium organises more than 135 exhibitions worldwide, bringing together more than 38,000 exhibitors and 3.5m visitors annually. Major brands within the Comexposium portfolio include SIAL, the market leading food exhibition, construction event Intermat, packaging event Emballage, and the Curve fashion series.
Trade Show Investments
The deal represents the latest in a series of recent high profile private equity investments in the trade show sector, including the acquisition of the NEC by Lloyds Development Capital, and Providence Equity Partners’ acquisition of Clarion Events. Four of the global top 20 organisers are now under full or part PE-ownership.
The Plural Team
Plural supported Charterhouse with strategic due diligence on the deal. The engagement was led by Jim Easton CEO, and Jonny Baynes, Partner and Head of Plural’s events practice.