Acquisitions & Portfolio Expansion
GL events acquires MCO Congrès, strengthening its Health & Science division GL events completed the acquisition of Marseille-based MCO Congrès on 29 July. The 33-person professional congress organiser turns over about €14m a year and joins the Health & Science division of GL events Exhibitions.
Easyfairs acquires The AI Conference in its second US deal Easyfairs announced the acquisition of The AI Conference in San Francisco on 3 August, calling it its second US acquisition and fourth US event. The group is building high growth positions in the US through acquisitions and launches.
Nineteen Group acquires Space-Comm Expo Europe Phoenix backed Nineteen Group announced the acquisition of Space-Comm Expo Europe from Lunar Ridge Ventures on 3 August. It will invest to expand international reach, government and defence delegations, hosted buyers and exhibitor value.
Montgomery Group acquires Sustainable Aviation Futures, growing its aviation portfolio Montgomery Group has acquired the Sustainable Aviation Futures event series, adding to an aviation portfolio that already includes Halldale Group. CEO Damion Angus will work with founder Jamie Dowswell to grow the platform and extend its global reach.
Leadership & Executive Appointments
Geoffrey Sauer named CEO and President of Messe Düsseldorf North America Messe Düsseldorf announced the appointment on 7 August, effective 17 August. Sauer takes responsibility for strategic and operational development and for the next phase of growth in North America.
Emerald and Questex unite as Forge and appoint a new board The combined Emerald and Questex business announced its new board on 19 August, adding Andy Bird, Lara Boro and Simon Kimble as independent directors.
Strategic Partnerships & New Event Launches
MCH Group and Questex launch Fierce Pharma Week Europe in Basel Announced on 30 July, the new event runs 28 to 30 June 2027. MCH Group says the partnership strengthens Basel’s position in life sciences and supports its ambition to build a portfolio of globally relevant life sciences platforms.
