A historic, for Greek trade show industry standards, strategic partnership between the NURNBERG MESSE and FORUM SA, the largest exhibition company in Greece, has been carried out successfully.
The acquisition of FORUM SA from the one of the most dynamic German trade fair companies only proves the confidence the strong German economy shows towards healthy Greek entrepreneurship, as well as the significant dynamic of the trade show industry in Greece.
It is worth noting that its integration into the NURNBERG MESSE GROUP makes FORUM SA the largest subsidiary of the German exhibition behemoth, worldwide.
FORUM SA: The largest trade show company in Greece!
Ever since its establishment in 1988, FORUM SA has come a long way by constantly evolving, growing and expanding its activities and is considered the largest international trade show organizing company in Greece, holding 23% of the domestic market.
Currently, the FORUM SA portfolio includes 8 of the most important international trade shows taking place in Greece, such as HORECA, FOOD EXPO, ΟΕΝΟΤΕLIA, ΧΕΝΙΑ, ARTOZA, FOODTECH, ATHENS COFFEE FESTIVAL and BIO FESTIVAL.
More than 4,000 Greek and international exhibitors participate in said trade shows, while
approximately 350,000 professionals from Greece and the rest of the world attend as visitors. Finally, the company also publishes 4 high-quality trade magazines, offering significant and comprehensive information to professionals of their respective sectors.
FORUM SA turnover for the year 2019 is expected to exceed €17,500,000, while pre-tax profit will amount to over €4,600,000. It should be noted that, according to the 2017 “Business Leader in Greece” survey conducted by ICAP, FORUM (with a turnover of €14,455,000 and pre-tax profit of €4,073,000 for that particular year) was in 431st place among the 500 most profitable companies in Greece.
NURNBERG MESSE: One of the 15 largest exhibition companies in the world!
The NURNBERG MESSE GROUP is one of the 15 largest exhibition companies in the world. Its portfolio covers around 120 national and international trade fairs, exhibitions and congresses, of which the best-known are: BIOFACH, BRAU BEVIALE, FACHPACK, CHILLVENTA, etc.
The NURNBERG MESSE GROUP employs more than 1,000 people in 11 parts of the world, –among them, in Germany, Brazil, China, India, Italy, Austria, USA, and Greece– a network of representative agencies active in over 119 countries, and 15 subsidiaries and holdings. More than 35,000 exhibitors participate in their trade shows, while approximately 1,500,000 professionals from all over the world attend as visitors.
In 2018, the NURNBERG MESSE GROUP turnover amounted to €315,100,000, with a net-income of €28.2 mil.
Greece becomes an exhibition hub for the entire Southeast Europe
The unprecedented dynamic created by the meeting of these two leading companies, generates countless prospects and opportunities for the Greek economy, and especially for the country’s trade show industry. A sector which, according to a survey conducted by ICAP, is expected to further increase within the years 2019-2020, with an average annual growth of 8.5%.
Helped by the knowhow, operational experience, portfolio, vision and the synergies between the two companies, Greece will become an exhibition hub for the Balkans and Southeast Europe.
As stated by Mr. Nikos Choudalakis, President and CEO of FORUM SA and “architect” of the agreement by the Greek side, at the joint Press Conference: “Right from our first meeting with NURNBERG MESSE executives, in May 2018, it was obvious that we share a common set of values, a similar business ethos and goals, as well as a shared vision of the future. Looking to the future with optimism and believing in our potential as well as the prospects opening up for our country, we sketch out together a fresh start, focused on extraversion and international development. A start that would cross Greek
frontiers and will help turn Greece into a significant trade show hub for the entire Southeast Europe.”
On behalf of the NURNBERG MESSE GROUP, the company CEOs expressed their optimism for the future of this collaboration:
Peter Ottmann: “FORUM SA, the largest trade show organizing company in Greece, stands out for its excellent track record and successful team. NURNBERG MESSE is extremely happy for this collaboration, for the mutual realization and implementation of our new targets.”
Dr. Roland Fleck: “FORUM and NURNBERG MESSE, as commercial platforms, both share the same approach regarding trade show organization. As meeting points of the respective sectors, where one can sense the latest trends, support its client base, and form new contacts and partnerships.
In view of the new technological developments and challenges, such as the digital age, economies of varying speed and development around the world, as well as the constant changes at political level and security matters worldwide, personal interaction and contact is becoming more and more important.”
By a joint decision of the NURNBERG MESSE and FORUM SA, the management will remain in the years to come in the hands of the Greek company’s executives, given the strong conviction that the foundations built by the Greek management are solid and can guarantee a bright future for the new era ushered by this historic deal.
