Messe Frankfurt Beats 2011 Forecasts with $598 Million in Sales

December 12, 2011

While most of the rest of the world still is grappling with the long-lasting economic downturn, Germany-based Messe Frankfurt had good news to celebrate with the recent release of the group’s preliminary figures for 2011.

The numbers indicate that not only will sales reach a new high of $598 million (€457 million) this year, beating forecasts, but also group sales are predicted to top $654 million (€500 million) for the first time ever in 2012.

“Independent of event cycles, we are increasing our sales every year and remaining consistently profitable,” said Messe Frankfurt President and CEO Wolfgang Marzin.

One of the fastest-growing areas of growth for the company is business outside of Germany, with $162 million (€128.3 million) in sales, which also set a new record.

Foreign business now accounts for 28 percent of overall sales, according to Messe Frankfurt officials. Consolidated profit before tax continues to be stable, and is expected to be in the region of $39 million (€30 million), they added.

Besides growth in overseas markets, Messe Frankfurt also has spurred even more growth domestically by launching four new group events in 2011.

“We are not only growing in tandem with the global economy in our activities outside Germany, but are also generating growth with new and existing events in Frankfurt,” Marzin said.

At the same time, Messe Frankfurt is expanding its business with guest events, such assigning a contract with U.K.-based UBM Live for a series of large-scale trade shows in Frankfurt until 2021.

In addition, the contract with the German Association of the Automotive Industry for hosting IAA Cars recently was renewed until 2019, as well as the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition will be held on the Frankfurt exhibition grounds in 2012.

“Frankfurt is a strong base for our group, and our well-established flagship fairs provide us with essential stability,” Marzin said.

He added, “From here, we export our trade fair brands to carefully selected regions of the global market, with excellent growth potential for our customers.”

In 2012, Messe Frankfurt organized a total of 101 trade fairs and exhibitions worldwide that were attended by more than 3.3 million visitors and featured 67,000-plus exhibitors.

The company aims to continue its growth into 2012, with new developments, growing events and streamlined company structures, according to Messe Frankfurt officials.

“We want to pass the €500 million ($654 million) sales mark,” Marzin said.

Advance bookings are tracking well for 2012, including four major flagship fairs occurring: Light+Building, Automechanika, Texcare and Achema.

Another new fair that will be on tap includes Messe Frankfurt's acqusition of Interlight – the leading Russian trade fair for decorative lighting, technical lighting and building
automation – from previous organiser OWP Ost-West-Partner
GmbH.

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