Mexico City, Mexico – Reed Exhibitions became the largest trade show organizer in Mexico this week by acquiring Grupo Fidalex, S.A. de S.V. and its portfolio of 15 events.
A definitive agreement on the acquisition was signed October 6 in Mexico City, boosting Reed’s Mexico show portfolio from five to 20 events and increasing its workforce in the country to more than 100.
Reed called the deal a platform for rapid expansion through both additional acquisitions and launches that leverage key international brands.” Fidalex produces shows in Mexico in the transportation, logistics, commercial vehicles, and meeting sectors that Reed sees as dovetailing with similar shows that it organizes in Brazil and Europe. The company’s portfolio includes Expo Carga and Top Flotillas. Its ICOMEX event for convention planners will become part of Reed Travel.
“In 2015, Reed will deliver well over 75,000 net square meters (807,293 square feet) of exhibition volume and serve almost 2,800 exhibiting customers and more than 140,000 buyers,” said Nancy Walsh, who was promoted to president of Reed Exhibitions North America in September. “But this isn’t about being the biggest in Mexico – which we are; it is about delivering the best value to our customers in Mexico.”
The founders of Fidalex, brothers Philippe and Alexander Surman, will remain with the company. Philippe was named country manager for Reed Exhibitions Mexico and will report to Walsh. Alexandre was placed in charge of sales and marketing. Reed Exhibitions Mexico will operate out of a new headquarters in Mexico City with branch offices in Guadalajara and Monterrey.
Reach Nancy Walsh at (203) 840-4800 or nwalsh@reedexpo.com; Philippe Surman at +52-55-5442-5760 or psurman@gfidalex.com
