Endeavor Business Media Scores 9 Hosted Buyer Events; Caribou Media Group Buys Knife Portfolio
May 31, 2018
The mergers and acquisitions market continues to tick away with new activity as two recent companies – Endeavor Business Media and Caribou Media Group - both made recent buys.
Caribou Media Group acquired two events and one publication from F+W Media.
The BLADE Show, now in its 37th year, is the largest knife event in North America. It is held each year at the Cobb Galleria in Atlanta, draws 15,000 enthusiast attendees and sells 170,000 square feet of exhibit space to 800 exhibiting companies.
The company recently launched a second annual BLADE event to be held the first time later this year in in Portland, Ore.
BLADE Magazine has 28,000 subscribers to its monthly publication and is by far the leading publication serving the knife industry.
Corporate Solutions of Westport, Conn., was the exclusive advisor to F+W Media in this transaction.
In another deal, Endeavor Business Media scooped up nine hosted buyer events from Gallo Business Media.
These Hosted Buyer Events serve several industries including Transit Bus, School Bus, Trucking, Parks & Recreation, Fire Chiefs, Waste Haulers, Public Works and Jewelers.
“Michael Gallo and his team have done a great job building a buyer conference model that is extremely valuable for both the sponsors and attendees,” said Chris Ferrell, Endeavor’s CEO.
He added, “We look forward to replicating the Gallo model for the benefit of our current advertisers and readers.”
“After more than two decades in the B2B events industry, it’s incredibly rewarding to have someone see the value in what we’ve created from scratch” said Michael Gallo, President of Gallo Business Media. “Our entire team is thrilled to be on the ground floor of what Chris is developing. In addition to seeing the value in our model, Chris understands the markets we’re in - which is a huge benefit to our customers and staff. I’m very much looking forward to helping Chris and Endeavor grow.”
Corporate Solutions was the exclusive advisor to Gallo Business Media in arranging, structuring and negotiating this transaction.
Corporate Solutions’ Nick Curci added: “The acquisition of these 9 hosted buyer events by Endeavor Business Media offers the company a great opportunity to expand the business by entering into new markets and leveraging other existing media assets with this hosted buyer business model. Michael Gallo has built a great team and valuable assets that Chris Ferrell and his newly formed organization will develop and grow even further.”
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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