Surf Expo and its sister trade shows are getting a new owner.
UK-based DMG World Media is selling GLM Shows, its North American trade show division, to Providence Equity Partners for $173 million in cash.
GLM produces 15 trade shows, including Surf Expo.
Providence Equity is a private equity firm that invests in media, communications and other sectors around the world. The firm has invested in companies such as Univision, Hulu and Warner Music Group.
The deal is expected to close by the end of September.
In the press release announcing the deal, Providence Managing Director Michael Dominguez said the firm sees “significant opportunities to grow GLM’s tradeshow brands in the U.S. and internationally both organically and through acquisition.”
Roy Turner on sale
Surf Expo Show Director Roy Turner at the show last week with Izzy Tihanyi and Coco Tihanyi of Surf DivaI asked Surf Expo Show Director Roy Turner to comment on what this means for Surf Expo.
“As for the new ownership, the deal was made to transfer the assets of our North American trade show division GLM Shows from DMG World Media to Providence Equity Partners. Surf Expo staff and office based in Atlanta, GA will remain unchanged and the same will be the same for other shows under management of GLM.
“Providence Equity does bring new investment, acquisition and growth opportunities to our show management team and we are excited about new commitments to identify opportunities both here and abroad as well as re-invest in existing show products.
“For Surf Expo I see nothing but upsides for our buyers and exhibitors, as we transition to Providence.”
See Page 2 for Roy’s comments about last week’s show, attendance figures
Surf Expo highlights, attendance
I also asked Roy for his thoughts on how Surf Expo went last week, and for attendance numbers.
Here’s what he had to say about the show:
“Surf Expo again proves that it is an important market place for all action/water sports. Buyers from 48 states and 71 countries were in attendance with a cumulative 3 day total of more than 11,000 buyers representing 6400 retailers, an increase of more than 13% over last year’s numbers. A diversity of categories included Surf, Skate, Wake, Kite, SUP, Free Dive, Swim, Resort and Gift.
“Highlights of the show included an offsite demo day at the Orlando Water Sports Complex, the 8th Annual Transworld Wake Awards, The AWSI Awards for Wind & Kite, the Transworld Business Showroom Fashion Show and on-floor demo areas for free-dive, wake, and SUP.
“Bottom line is that our September show continues to evolve into a true international water sports and water lifestyle show. Our growth categories included SUP, Wake, Kite and our newest addition, free-dive.
Our exhibitors are able to take advantage of the diversity of new buyers brought in by these growing categories in addition to servicing existing clients.
“With our numbers approaching our record-setting 2008 totals, we feel that once again Surf Expo delivered a great product and we look forward to accelerating that momentum with our January 12-14 trade show.”
