Press Release- Clarion Events
HG Capital Trust PLC
24 June 2005
The following is the text from a press release issued by HgCapital, which
manages the investment portfolio of HgCapital Trust plc alongside those of other
clients. The trust, which participates in all of HgCapital's investments, will
invest £0.7 million in Amusement Trade Exhibitions Group.
HgCapital supports Clarion Events in £13.5 million acquisition of ATE
London, 24 June 2005. HgCapital, the sector-focused European mid-market private
equity investor, has invested £4.2 million in Clarion Events' £13.5 million
acquisition of Amusement Trade Exhibitions Group ('ATE'), the commercial
exhibition, conference, publishing and services subsidiary of the British
Amusement Catering Trade Association.
HgCapital acquired Clarion, the UK's largest independent exhibition and events
business, in October 2004 in a £50 million management buy-out to allow the
company to further its growth strategy. Over the last four years, the company
has doubled in size and now has a turnover of more than £37 million. Its best
known consumer shows include the 'Fine Art & Antiques Fair', 'House & Garden',
'MPH' motor show, 'Baby' and 'Caravan & Outdoor' shows; and business exhibitions
'Top Drawer', 'Home & Gift' and 'Mortgage Business Expo'.
The acquisition of ATE increases Clarion's portfolio to 44 business and consumer
events, and adds industry-leading events Amusement Trade Exhibition
International and the International Casino Exhibition, which are staged in
London. The portfolio also includes three leading publications: Coinslot,
Betting Business and Casino Review.
The announcement comes less than a month after Clarion acquired joint-ownership
of the NEC's consumer events organising division.
Robin Lincoln, Associate Director in HgCapital's media team, said: 'Since we
acquired Clarion we have been fully supportive of its growth plans and are
pleased to have contributed to this acquisition, which reinforces the company's
leading position. The exhibition sector is currently one of the most attractive
market segments and we are backing a first-rate management team. We foresee
further acquisitions being a regular feature.'
Simon Kimble, Chief Executive of Clarion Events commented 'ATE is a world leader
in the amusement gambling and betting industries. It has great products and
people and operates in an exciting market. This is expected to benefit from
changing consumer tastes and changing regulation throughout Europe. We believe
that both Clarion and ATE will benefit hugely from the combination of skills and
experience.'
HgCapital Trust plc, an investment trust that participates in all of HgCapital's
investments, has invested £0.7 million.
£8 million of additional debt facilities were raised from the Corporate Banking
Media Team at The Royal Bank of Scotland.
- ends -
For further information contact:
HgCapital
Robin Lincoln +44 (0)20 7089 7941 robin.lincoln@hgcapital.net
Clarion
Simon Kimble +44 (0)20 7370 8139
Maitland
Neil Bennett +44 (0)20 7379 5151 nbennett@maitland.co.uk
Peter Ogden pogden@maitland.co.uk
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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