Emerald Expositions Possibly Going on Sales Block (Reuters Report): Buys CEDIA Show

January 26, 2017

One of the largest trade show companies in the U.S., Emerald Expositions, is exploring a possible sale that would value the company at $2 billion, according to a Jan. 25 news report from Reuters citing unnamed sources.

Private equity firm Onex, which owns Emerald, has brought on Bank of America to manage the sale process of Emerald, the sources said.

David Loechner, president and CEO of Emerald Expositions, declined to comment.

Onex bought Nielsen Expositions, which was renamed Emerald Expositions, in June 2013 for $950 million.

Since then, Emerald rapidly expanded its portfolio with buys such as George Little Management for $335 million that included Surf Expo and the National Stationary Show, as well as other shows, in December 2013.

Just today, the company announced it acquired CEDIA trade show from the Custom Electronics Design & Installation Association.

The CEDIA trade show is an event in the home technology market, serving industry professionals that manufacture, design and integrate goods and services for the connected home.

“We have a long and successful track record of collaborating with the leading associations in the industry sectors we serve to produce “must-attend” trade shows and conferences,” Loechner said.

He added, “I am confident that the combination of Emerald’s deep experience, professional capabilities and unrivalled scale in operating trade shows, together with CEDIA’s clear vision, market affinity and pre-eminent educational content will propel the show forward for the benefit of the entire industry.”

CEDIA 2015 ranked #94 on TSNN's latest list of Top 250 U.S. Trade Shows, which is based on net square feet. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Emerald also has made several other buys:

December 2016 - American Craft Retailers Expo (“ACRE”) from IndieMe.

November 2016 - RFID Journal LIVE! Event - from RFID Journal

October 2016 -  National Pavement Expo - from AC Business Media and Digital Dealer Conference & Expo from Dealer Communications.

November 2015 - National Industrial Fastener & Mill Supply Expo

March 2015 -  Healthcare Design Conference and Expo and International Pizza Expo and Pizza Today magazine

Emerald currently operates more than 50 trade shows, including 30 of the top 250 trade shows in the country as ranked by TSNN, as well as numerous other events.

The company’s events connect more than 500,000 global attendees and exhibitors and occupy 6.5-plus million net square feet of exhibition space. 

If the Emerald buy materializes, it will be one of the largest buys in the past few years.

Last year, U.K.-based Informa acquired U.S.-based Penton, which includes the Natural Products Expo shows and WasteExpo, in a deal worth $1.56 billion from private equity owners MidOcean Partners and Wasserstein & Co.

In 2014, U.K.-based bought U.S.-based Advanstar Communications for $972 million, which included the biannual MAGIC Market Weeks shows, as well as the Licensing Expo, among others.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact