A new strategic partnership between the Nurnberg Messe Group and Forum SA, the largest exhibition company in Greece, has been launched following the acquisition of FORUM by the German trade fair company.
Integration into the Nurnberg Messe Group makes Forum SA now the largest subsidiary of the German exhibition giant.
The Greek trade show industry, according to a survey conducted by ICAP, is predicted to grow in the 2019-2020 period, with an average annual growth of 8.5%.
The partners are hoping Greece can become an exhibition hub for the Balkans and Southeast Europe.
Nikos Choudalakis, President and CEO of Forum SA said when the deal was announced: “Right from our first meeting with Nurnberg Messe Group executives, in May 20018, it was obvious that we share a common set of values, a similar business ethos and goals, as well as a shared vision of the future… We sketch out together a fresh start, focused on international development.”
Dr Roland Fleck and Peter Ottmann, the two NürnbergMesse CEOs issued a statement during a financial press conference in Athens that said: “We’ve achieved the goals we set in our corporate strategy two whole years ahead of schedule. And that major step forward will give us the momentum we need to approach the next chapter of the NürnbergMesse success story.”
Ottmann added: “With its high-profile international tradefairs, Nürnberg Messe has worked its way up into the ranks of the 15 largest tradefair organisers in the world. Our next objective is to make it into the top ten… Greece will play a pivotal role in this in the future.”
Management of the Greece operation will remain with the Greek company’s executives.
Forum SA was established in 1988 and claims to be the largest international tradeshow organiser in Greece, with 23% of the domestic market. Its portfolio includes 8 of the most important international tradeshows taking place in Greece, such as HORECA, FOOD EXPO, ΟΕΝΟΤΕLIA, ΧΕΝΙΑ, ARTOZA, FOODTECH, ATHENS COFFEE FESTIVAL and BIO FESTIVAL.
These shows combined attrat 4,000 Greek and international exhibitors and around 350,000 visitors. Forum SA’s four trade magazines are also part of the acquisition.
FORUM SA expects a turnover for the year 2019 of over €17m.