Expo Nacional Ferretera, the largest event in Mexico and Latin America market serving the hardware, construction and electrical markets, has joined the Reed Exhibitions portfolio of brands and brings with it more than 1,300 exhibiting companies occupying 50,000 square meters and 80,000 buyers from 30 countries who attend the annual event in Guadalajara.
The acquisition of Expo Ferretera, founded in 1989, is the next step in Reed Exhibitions’ strategic expansion into the Mexican market. Expo Seguridad, acquired at the end of 2011, is the largest event in Mexico serving the security and safety industry. In its second edition under Reed’s ownership this month, it will enjoy a 17 percent increase in net square meters and more than a 38 percent increase in attendance. With Expo Ferretera, Reed is now planning on the expansion of its infrastructure in Mexico.
“Mexico is an attractive, long-term market for Reed Exhibitions. And with these two leading brands – both enjoying synergies with our events in the United States and Brazil, we are in a position to build the infrastructure necessary for developing a business platform to serve the Mexican market and help Mexican companies to expand their businesses internationally” said Chet Burchett, president, Reed Exhibitions Americas. “This was the critical step to propel our plans.”
The president of Expo Ferretera, Eduardo Casanova, said Reed Exhibitions matched both commercial expectations and the values upon which the show was built, according to Expo Ferretera officials.
“It was important to us that Reed Exhibitions was truly a global organizer but more important that they share many of the same ideals we do when it comes to delivering customer value,” said Eduardo Casanova, president, Expo Ferretera. “Ultimately, we share the mission of delivering an event that provides a positive business outcome for all those who participate,” said Eduardo Casanova.
Nan Walsh, executive vice president for Reed Exhibitions in North America, is responsible for managing the business in Mexico. Walsh said the location of Expo Ferretera in Guadalajara is important.
“It’s a great location for events, and we now are operating in both Mexico City and Guadalajara,” said Walsh. “We now have an opportunity to build deeper relationships in two of the country’s most important cities for tradeshows and to better participate in the markets we serve today as well as those we hope to serve in the future.”
The transaction was completed this week. Terms were not disclosed. Expo Nacional Ferretera is scheduled to take place Aug. 29-31 at Expo Guadalajara.
