Tarsus Group Posts 10-percent Like-for-like Revenue Growth in 2015

March 2, 2016

U.K.-based Tarsus Group posted overall 2015 revenues of $122 million (£86.9 million), a 15-percent overall uptick over comparable year 2013, as well as a 10-percent *like-for-like revenue increase for the year.

"2015 was an important year for Tarsus,” said Douglas Emslie, Tarsus’ managing director. “We passed a significant milestone in the strategic progress of the Group with the sale of our French business. This will allow us to concentrate resources on our selected core geographies, which offer the best opportunities for growth.”

The company also continued to implement “Quickening the Pace”, a strategy to accelerate the pace of financial returns to shareholders.

“Our 'Quickening the Pace' growth strategy gained further traction and we achieved industry leading organic growth through our focus on delivering larger numbers of buyers to our exhibitions – up 9 percent in 2015,” he added. “We achieved organic revenue growth of 10 percent and are continuing to invest in replications of our successful brands to maintain momentum over the medium-term.”

Last year marked the run of two of the biennial largest shows in Tarsus’ portfolio – Dubai Airshow and Labelexpo Europe, both of which performed well.

Dubai Airshow attendance surged 9 percent and also had strong revenue growth. Labelexpo Europe had buyers up by 12 percent, compared with the previous edition, to a record 35,700.

Shows in the company’s other markets, such as Turkey, China, Indonesia, Mexico and the U.S., all posted positive performances as well.

Tarsus also made two strategic acquisitions last year. In May 2015, Tarsus acquired 100 percent of Painweek in the U.S.

This completes the exposure of the Group’s medical business to the four main sectors of the US preventative medical market – neurology, endocrinology, cardiovascular and oncology.

Painweek has enjoyed strong growth since it was established in 2007 and its main annual event is supported by a series of satellite events in the US and a strong digital presence.

In July 2015, the Group purchased 50 percent of the AMB Group, an established South-East Asian exhibition organizer with a major presence in Myanmar and Cambodia. 

This adds significant scale and presence across the region, building on Tarsus’ existing business in Indonesia. Tarsus intends to scale up AMB’s events and launch new exhibitions in its existing markets.

Besides acquisitions, the company continued to replicate its existing brands in new markets.

Even though 2016 will not have Tarsus’ two largest shows running, it still looks to be a good year. Forward bookings for the Group's major events in 2016 are tracking 10 percent ahead of 2015 (adjusted for biennials and acquisitions).

“Forward bookings are strong, and the Group is well positioned to deliver a good performance in 2016,” Emslie said.

*Like-for-like revenue: Constant exchange rates adjusted for biennial events, excluding acquisitions impacting for the first time in 2015, prior year disposals and non-recurring products and items.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started. Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind. “Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for." What’s New – AT&T Discovery District Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall. Hotels Coming Soon Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond. JW Marriott This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar. InterContinental Dallas  Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.   Hotel Swexan Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.