Reed Exhibitions acquires TML Reed

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IBG - SA Instrumentation & Control Buyers' Guide

September 2000 News

TML Reed Exhibitions has announced that Reed Exhibition Companies (REC) of London had acquired the 50% stake previously held by Times Media, making this Randburg-based company a wholly-owned subsidiary of REC. This follows an announcement that REC had purchased Miller Freeman Europe, the trade shows and professional publishing organisation, for £360m.

In terms of this agreement, which is subject to regulatory authority approval, South Africa's leading organiser of business-to-business exhibitions will now trade under the name of Reed Exhibition Companies South Africa (REC SA). Zeth Malele has been appointed Chairman of REC SA, while Mrs Jo Melville will continue as Managing Director.

Zeth Malele, Chairman, REC SA

Commenting on these developments, REC chairman Mike Rusbridge said, "I am delighted that Reed Exhibition Companies is able to solidify its position in South Africa and build on the success we have achieved to date with our JV partners.

"We remain committed to developing the market and I am confident that our South African team can respond to the changing needs and high expectations of our customers. We will support this development with full access to REC's expanded portfolio of shows and unrivalled global sales and marketing network."

Zeth Malele welcomed the increased access to REC's global expertise: "We appreciate the confidence that REC has expressed in South Africa and its people. This is bound to assist REC SA - as well as its customers - in becoming even more globally competitive. At the same time, this deal will add impetus to our empowerment drive and the development of previously disadvantaged business people."

Jo Melville said, "The recent restructuring of the Johnnic Group meant the time was right for REC to take complete ownership of the company, given its global focus on exhibition organisation. Many opportunities exist for REC SA to continue on its growth path, and I look forward to spearheading this growth in the years to come."

Jo Melville, continuing as MD of REC SA

Reed Exhibition Companies is a world leading organiser of trade and public shows with a portfolio of over 440 events serving 45 industries in 11 key sectors in 28 countries, across five continents. Core sectors include catering and food, travel, aerospace, entertainment, retail, books and publishing, IT, broadcasting and TV, manufacturing, sports and recreation, and building and construction.

REC SA currently has 21 exhibitions in its portfolio, focused on the industrial, IT & communications, and hospitality and marketing sectors. A number of new events are planned to be launched in future.

Reed Exhibition Companies SA

(011) 886 3734

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