News

UBM

14 Jun 2010

UBM invests in South America

UBM has today announced four investments in South American businesses:

-          The acquisition of a 60% equity stake in Navalshore, the leading tradeshow for the Maritime industry in Brazil.

-          The acquisition of a 75% equity stake in the Concrete Show South America, the largest concrete and cement tradeshow in South America.

-          The $1.5m buyout of UBM’s PR Newswire Brazil and PR Newswire Argentina joint ventures.

For further details go to www.ubm.com

These announcements further demonstrate UBM’s commitment to investing in emerging markets both through the organic development of UBM’s existing businesses and by making acquisitions.

From 2005 to today, UBM has invested more than £30m in acquiring 14 businesses in China, South America and India.

In 2009 UBM employed more than 1,000 people in China, Brazil and India. In 2009, UBM’s revenues and profits generated in these markets grew by more than 35%, representing almost 14% of UBM’s worldwide revenues and over 20% of profits, up from less than 8% of revenues and 12% of profits in 2005. UBM revenues in these countries almost doubled between 2005 and 2009 to £149m.

David Levin, UBM’s Chief Executive Officer, said:

“UBM has made long term investments in markets where we see the opportunity for profitable growth. We frequently work in partnership with local entrepreneurs to combine our global brands and infrastructure with our partners’ local expertise and experience. The success of our approach is evident in China where we are now the country’s largest international tradeshow organiser.”

“Like China, Brazil is clearly set for a period of significant growth. Today’s announcements show us continuing to build UBM’s presence in Brazil and in South America as share in and contribute to the development of these fast-growing economies."