Source: Zhongwai Hui Zhan (China-Foreign Exhibition)
According to reports from overseas media, Reed Exhibitions (a subsidiary of RELX Group) recently announced the acquisition of Imbibe, a leading UK B2B media company, to expand its influence in the beverage and alcoholic drinks industry. Imbibe Live and the Sommelier Wine Awards were of particular interest to Reed Exhibitions.
The Imbibe magazine, launched in 2007, achieved significant success. The related exhibition business, Imbibe Live, was launched in 2010, and the acquired media company quickly became a leading B2B exhibition company in the UK, particularly in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) beverage industry. The beverage and alcoholic drinks industry encompasses a wide range of products, including spirits, wine, beer, cider, cocktails, tea, coffee, mineral water, and related products. The Imbibe Live exhibition, held in July 2006, attracted over 250 companies from the beverage industry, with over 12,000 professional attendees.
The acquisition of Imbibe will enable the integration of Imbibe Live with Reed Exhibitions' Bar Convent Berlin (BCB) in Germany, further enhancing Reed Exhibitions' influence in this vertical market. Reed Exhibitions UK CEO Richard Mortimore stated that the acquisition of Imbibe Live will allow the delivery of more innovative services to this £10.6 billion market, helping Reed Exhibitions to establish a dominant position in the industry.
Simon White, a co-founder of Imbibe Media, said: "The UK's service industry is one of the most creative and attractive in the world. Through exhibition and media operations, Imbibe has become a core influencer in this industry. We look forward to building a better future with Reed Exhibitions."
Darren Johnson, the B2B business director for Reed Exhibitions UK, will take over the Imbibe Live business. The 2017 exhibition will be held on July 3-4 at the London Olympia Exhibition Centre.