It has finally been announced in a press release:
Imago Techmedia today announces it has been acquired by Clarion Events, one of the most established independent events organisers in the UK. The deal will see Imago Techmedia’s brands IP EXPO Europe, Cyber Security Europe, IP EXPO Manchester and UC EXPO grow in terms of commercial scope and reach, while retaining the core values that have produced some of the UK’s most successful technology events in recent years. The deal was closed on 1st September 2015 for an undisclosed sum.
A specialist technology events company, Imago Techmedia prides itself on keeping pace with trends as well as emerging and maturing technologies. Founded in 2003, the company has successfully built a portfolio of industry leading technology events working in partnership with brands such as HP, Microsoft and Cisco. Its content-focussed events are known for giving exhibitors and visitors an innovative, compelling and cost-effective experience with practical and thought-provoking advice and information.
Duncan Kirk, Managing Director, Imago Techmedia commented: “This represents a tremendous opportunity for the growth of our brands. Working with Clarion Events brings us unparalleled reach, breadth and depth of knowledge and opportunity. We are expecting big things in the next 12 months and are all extremely excited about the potential this deal brings to the Imago Techmedia table.”
Clarion operates over 200 events in 35 countries from offices in the USA, Germany, Brazil, Singapore, UAE, Turkey, Netherlands, South Africa and the UK. It has a portfolio of retail, payments, gaming and transport trade events attracting thousands of businesses every year. This Imago Techmedia acquisition adds a high growth technology portfolio of events into the company’s global reach.
“We have had a watching brief on Imago Techmedia’s events for some time now. We have been consistently impressed with its unique market offering and the quality of its content-first approach. The opportunity to work with Duncan and the team to grow these brands even further is a great one; not least because it strengthens our footprint in the global technology market. A very strong addition to our portfolio and one for which we have big ambitions,” commented Simon Kimble, Executive Chairman, Clarion Events.
Kirk was previously Chief Operating Officer at Imago Techmedia. With over 20 years’ experience in the technology industry, he has held senior management positions at Reed Business Information and CMP (UBM) Media. He will work with the Clarion Events’ board to drive the technology portfolio globally. Hugh Keeble has left the business as part of the deal, whilst Mark Steel will remain in the business as Chairman.
Dates of next events:
- IP EXPO Europe 2015, 7th – 8th October 2015
- IP EXPO Manchester, 18th-19th May 2016
- Cyber Security Europe 2015 – 7th – 8th October 2015
- UC EXPO 2016, 19th – 20th April 2016