UBM plc acquires Allworld Exhibitions in US$485m deal

UBM plc, a leading global B2B events organiser, has announced the acquisition of Allworld Exhibitions (‘Allworld’) for a cash consideration of US$485m. Northern Edge was the exclusive advisor to the shareholders of Allworld on the sale process.

Allworld is the leading privately owned Asian exhibitions business operating 51 tradeshows in 11 countries: Singapore, China & Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, South Korea, Bahrain and Kuwait. The company’s events serve nine key industry sectors, including Food & Hospitality, Packaging, Manufacturing, TMT and Oil & Gas.

Allworld is a family-owned business with a strong track record of organic growth, and generated revenues of US$97m and EBITDA of US$38m (39% margin) during the 12 months to 30 June 2016.

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 large 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.”

Jonathan Dunn, Managing Director of Northern Edge, commented:

“Allworld is a best of breed in its sector, and the interest we received in the business reflected that. It has been one of the most competitive processes we have ever managed at Northern Edge, with interest from all over the world, including global private equity funds, sovereign wealth funds, major strategic acquirers and media conglomerates. Both our client and Northern Edge are delighted with the final outcome.”

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