GS Media & Events Buys 8 Consumer Shows; ITE Group Sells Part of Russia Portfolio
September 5, 2018
The trade show industry mergers and acquisitions market does not look to be slowing down any time soon, with another deal being announced today: GS Media and Events bought eight recreational vehicle, Boat & Outdoor Sports Consumer Shows from RJ Promotions for an undisclosed sum and ITE Group proposes to sell off part of its Russia division to Shtab-Expo.
“This acquisition for GS Events expands their reach into several new markets and makes them the dominant producer of RV related consumer shows,” said Nick Curci, president of Corporate Solutions. “GS Events was the natural buyer of these events given their existing broad reach in these markets.
Corporate Solutions of Westport, Conn., was the exclusive advisor to RJ Promotions in arranging, structuring and negotiating this transaction.
The shows include Des Moines Boat & Sport Show; Des Moines RV & Outdoor Show; Topeka Boat & Outdoor Show; Colorado Springs RV & Outdoor Show; Topeka RV & Sports Show; Overland Park RV & Sport Show; El Paso RV & Outdoor Show; and Colorado Springs RV & Travel Expo
GS Media & Events, a division of Good Sam Enterprises, LLC, owns and operates 23 recreation-focused consumer shows throughout North America.
The company currently produces RV & camping shows, boat & marine shows, and powersports & ice fishing shows.
GS Media & Events is a publishing, online, and face-to-face marketing company serving the outdoors enthusiast.
RJ Promotions is a full-service event management company that produces consumer shows in five states in the Midwest corridor of the United States. Their shows are in the following industries: RV, outdoor sports, boat, gun, knife, home, gist, food and pets.
ITE Group also announced today the proposed disposal of ITE Expo, the operating company for 56 of the Group’s Non-Core, regionally-focused, smaller events in Russia, to Shtab-Expo.
These events comprise a significant proportion of the Group’s Non-Core assets in Russia. This disposal is a major step in delivering a key pillar of the Group’s Transformation and Growth (TAG) programme to focus on must-attend International events by actively managing its portfolio, according to company officials.
“The proposed sale is a milestone in delivering a key pillar of our Transformation and Growth Programme – to actively manage our portfolio,” said Mark Shashoua, CEO of ITE Group.
He added, “These regional events had previously been separated into a different business unit from the international Core business and so this disposal will simplify operations significantly. By selling this portfolio of smaller, lower-growth regional Russian events we will be able to focus our time and investment on our internationally-focused Core shows which have a much greater potential to deliver sustainable growth.”
ITE retains 16 designated Core events in Russia, which have international exhibitors and visitors, and these form part of a new legal entity, ITE Expo International LLC.
These Core Events include market-leading brands like MosBuild, WorldFood Moscow, YugAgro and MITT. The proposed disposal will enable management to focus on those Core Events, which have a greater potential to deliver sustainable growth and value for Shareholders.
The 56 regional Non-Core Events in Russia, which are being disposed of, include VacuumTech Expo, Stomatology St Petersburg, UMIDS Krasnodar and Jewellery Salon Krasnodar.
In the financial year ended Sept. 30, 2017, these Non-Core Events in Russia generated revenues of approximately £12.0 million ($15.6 million) and contributed operating profits of approximately £1.3 million ($1.7 million). These Non-Core Events in Russia comprised gross assets of approximately £14.3 million ($18.5 million) as of Sept. 30, 2017.
The Group will receive consideration of RUB 640 million (approximately £8 million or $10.3 million) over the nine years following completion of the Transaction together with additional variable consideration of up to RUB 400 million (approximately £5 million or $6.5 million) based on the Target’s incremental revenue growth during this period.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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