Advent International invests in VNU Exhibitions Asia, a leading exhibition and conference host

Shanghai, 2 February 2024 – Advent International (“Advent”), one of the world’s largest and most experienced private equity investors, today announced its investment in VNU Exhibitions Asia (“VNU EA”), a leading host of exhibitions and conferences in China.

With a track record of nearly 30 years, VNU EA has a significant presence in China, operating across 10 cities and hosting over 20 exhibitions and conferences each year. Headquartered in Shanghai, the company specializes in exhibition and conference solutions for global customers across four industries: pet food and supplies, paving materials and building construction and décor, 3D printing and additive manufacturing, and agriculture/agri-tech. Its flagship event, Pet Fair Asia, which was launched in 1997, has emerged as the world’s foremost exhibition for pet supplies, attracting more than 24,000 exhibiting brands and over 350,000 visitors in 2023.

Irene Liu, Managing Director at Advent, commented, “We are excited about VNU EA’s strong portfolio, its longstanding track record spanning nearly three decades and its immense growth potential. The company has established itself as a market leader in China by providing high-quality exhibition services for both domestic and global customers. Together with VNU EA’s exceptional management team, we are confident that Advent’s global resources and support will propel the company’s next phase of growth amidst a thriving sector in China.”

David Zhong, Founder at VNU Exhibitions Asia, said, “As the founder of VNU EA, I am extremely proud of our company’s achievements over the last 30 years. We have created some of the world’s most high-profile exhibitions for a range of industries, including pet and lifestyle trends, architecture and urban development, agriculture and food, as well as the smart industries of the future. Our customers have been able to develop their businesses in China and Asia through our platforms and have seen huge growth year-on-year thanks to the commitment of our great team of professionals and the significant market potential of the industries we serve. I am very excited to join forces with Advent and bring our business to the next level of growth and expansion. We couldn’t have found a better partner to help us achieve further success in the future.”

Andrew Li, Managing Director, Head of Greater China at Advent, said, “Over the past decade, Advent has been investing in companies and industries in the China market that have significant growth potential, aiming to create value through our unique operational strategies, extensive sector experience and our global network. Our partnership with VNU demonstrates this investment approach as well as our continued deep commitment to the Greater China region.”

Jeroen van Hooff, CEO at Royal Jaarbeurs, which had a majority interest in VNU EA, said, “VNU EA has organized many successful events in China over the past few decades. Following a strategic reorientation, we now welcome Advent as a new investor in VNU EA. I would like to thank the local management team in China for the excellent cooperation we have enjoyed during our long-term partnership. Having Advent’s support will certainly help VNU EA further strengthen its position in the event industry. Given that Royal Jaarbeurs will continue to organize VIV Select China and Pet Fair South-East Asia with VNU EA, we are greatly looking forward to working with Advent in the future.”

Ranjan Sen, Managing Partner at Advent, commented, “We are excited about the vibrant exhibition sector in China and the tremendous market potential it offers. Our investment in VNU EA exemplifies our enthusiasm for this dynamic industry, VNU’s strong capabilities and the vision to build a leading exhibition platform in China. It underscores our commitment to promoting innovation and excellence in attractive and growing sectors, and we look forward to the promising opportunities that lie ahead.”

Advent has made multiple investments across Greater China in recent years, including LBS Group, a leading pest control operation and hygiene solutions provide in Greater China; Wagas Group, a major lifestyle F&B group in China; AI Dream, China’s leading branded sleep solution provider and the largest player in the country’s premium mattress market; BioDuro, a global life sciences contract research and development organization with major operations in Shanghai, Beijing and San Diego; and GS capsule, the largest domestic capsule provider in China.

Going forward, VNU Exhibitions Asia will change its English name to Globus Events to better reflect its growth potential following the partnership with Advent. The new name reinforces the company’s commitment to being a platform that connects local and global businesses and highlights its mission to help “make business happen”.