Atlanta, GA – Britain’s Clarion Events expanded its presence in the U.S. by acquiring a majority stake in Urban Expositions. Urban’s two managing partners, Doug Miller and Tim von Gal, will retain an ownership position in their company and remain in charge of its operations.
Based in Atlanta, Urban Expositions has a portfolio of 37 events in nine industry sectors. Seventeen of its shows are in the souvenir and gift categories. But the company also produces, aviation, foodservice and gaming shows. Clarion organizes more than 200 events in 35 nations. It maintains a U.S. division that is also headquartered in Atlanta.
The newest addition to the Urban Expositions show roster, Womens Wear in Nevada (WWIN), was acquired last week shortly after the deal with Clarion was struck. The show is the first apparel event for Urban Expositions and takes place semi-annually in Las Vegas in February and August.
Clarion Executive Chairman Simon Kimble called Urban Expositions a “perfect match” with Clarion’s strategy. “In addition to synergy we will find in the spaces that we share — retail trade, art and gaming — we can bring complimentary skills and capabilities to the table in other areas that promise to fuel our growth,” he said. Urban Expositions will maintain its existing corporate identity, executive management team, staff, office locations, brands and events, with plans for collaboration on current, as well as future events and acquisitions.
Reach Simon Kimble at +44 020 7384 7700 or simon.kimble@clarionevents.com; Doug Miller at (678) 285-3976 or dmiller@urban-expo.com
