Hanley Wood agrees to sell exhibitions business to Informa

Words: Hug PoochllcHanley Wood, the premier information, media, event, and strategic marketing services company serving the residential, commercial design and construction industries, announced that it has reached an agreement to sell its Hanley Wood Exhibitions business to Informa PLC, a UK-based publishing and events company that operates in more than 40 countries and is one of the world’s leading knowledge providers. The sale is subject to customary regulatory review and is expected to close by the end of 2014. Upon the closing of the transaction, the Exhibitions business will be rebranded Informa Exhibitions US and will maintain its headquarters in Irving, TX under the continued leadership of Rick McConnell as President, Informa Exhibitions US, Construction and Real Estate.

“Since 2000, Hanley Wood Exhibitions has led the industry as a best-in-class producer of tremendously vital and successful events,” said Peter Goldstone, Hanley Wood’s Chief Executive Officer. “Informa recognized the power and value of the trade show business we’ve built over the years. Informa has an exciting, long-term strategic vision for the Exhibitions business and how it fits within its international operations and its existing portfolio of construction and real estate events. It will be a great home for its customers and employees.”

Mr. Goldstone added, “Part of the reason that Informa was interested in this transaction was the excellence of the management team and employees, and I personally want to thank all the outstanding employees of Hanley Wood Exhibitions for their dedication and hard work for so many years. I have cherished working with them during these past few years, and I offer my heartfelt appreciation and best wishes for the future.”

“We are very excited about the addition of such an outstanding trade show business,” said Stephen A. Carter, Group Chief Executive of Informa. “This is a terrific portfolio of leading construction exhibition brands that will become a key component of our Global Exhibitions Division. In combination with other recent acquisitions, we have significantly strengthened our presence in the U.S., demonstrating our commitment to the sector and the region.”

Hanley Wood and Informa PLC will enter into a long-term partnership agreement under which Hanley Wood will continue to provide editorial and marketing support for Exhibitions events.

“This partnership agreement will allow Hanley Wood Media to maintain its role as the official media and information provider to the various events we have supported for many years,” said Goldstone. “At the same time, our shared customers, business partners and attendees will benefit from the continued collaboration between the two companies.”
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