Informa enhances global reach with Virgo acquisition
Informa, one of the world’s leading knowledge providers, has acquired US exhibitions and information Group, Virgo. The deal, which is subject to receipt of US anti-trust clearance, will provide Informa with a platform to expand its exhibition activities in the region, further strengthening its global presence and leading market expertise.
Virgo produces six trade shows and conferences, publishes nine national trade websites of which six have affiliate magazines, operates online training and accreditation programs, and three branded online stores that offer paid content.
Virgo’s portfolio includes SupplySide West, the leading US exhibition in the Health & Nutrition industry. This is highly complementary to Vitafoods, Informa’s leading exhibition brand operating within the same market sector throughout Europe, Latin America and Asia. The acquisition will strengthen the Vitafoods portfolio by delivering expertise from different international markets and more global insights.
Peter Hall, Managing Director, Informa Exhibitions, said: “We are delighted to announce the purchase of Virgo, a business which complements and enhances our already strong position in the Health and Nutrition marketplace through the Vitafoods portfolio. Not only does it underscore our existing commitment to this sector and provide us with fantastic opportunities to improve our offerings in Europe, Asia and South America, it also gives us an established base on which to build our presence in the US.”
John Siefert, CEO of Virgo added: “We are very excited to be aligning Virgo’s business with Informa. There are a number of very obvious synergies between our businesses that mean we will be able to create a strong global brand proposition, particularly in the Health and Nutrition marketplace.”
About Vitafoods
Informa’s Vitafoods portfolio is a group of events devoted to ingredients and raw materials for the nutraceutical, dietary supplement and functional food and drink industries.
The portfolio includes Vitafoods Europe, Geneva; Vitafoods Asia, Hong Kong; Vitafoods South America, São Paulo; Vitafoods Africa, Johannesburg; the soon-to-launch Vitafoods Russia, Moscow and Finished Products Europe.
About SupplySide West
Hosted by Virgo, this annual tradeshow and educational forum is the finished product manufacturer’s gathering place for top performers, trends, scientific advances and networking. SupplySide West is all about the exploration, discovery, innovation and marketing strategy around the development of finished consumer goods that drive the global business economy. The 2014 show will be held October 6-10 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. For more information visit www.supplysideshow.com.