AMERICAS - UBM has acquired one of the largest independent telecoms and wireless events in the US market on behalf of its UBM TechWeb subsidiary.
The organiser picked up the annual 4G World telecoms and wireless trade show, which serves the mobile broadband market, from Yankee Group Research for an undisclosed sum.
The acquisition is expected to yield revenue exceeding the figure UBM initially paid for it in its first full year of ownership. Last year’s event ran 24-27 October and generated revenues of US$3.2m from 8,500 attendees and 250 sponsors, according to UBM. 4G World’s gross assets on 31 October 2011 were US$200,000 and eight employees are transferring with the business.
The company claims the acquisition is hoped to capitalise on the 2.5 billion 4G subscribers forecast for 2016.
UBM TechWeb will leverage its Light Reading and InformationWeek communities, which include key service provider and enterprise technology decision-makers, to develop 4G World as an integrated event platform for 4G marketers. UBM TechWeb CEO Tony Uphoff said the acquisition expands the group’s offering in the “rapidly-accelerating” mobile broadband market.
“4G World brings a valuable brand to our portfolio and will immediately be able to tap into our thriving Light Reading and InformationWeek online communities serving global communications providers, enterprise technology executives, developers and the 4G marketers tasked with reaching them,” he said.
“I would like to welcome John Sellazzo and his team into UBM TechWeb and I look forward to working with them to drive the business forward in close co-operation with Joseph Braue, group director of UBM Techweb’s Light Reading Communications Network.”
New mobile technology was credited with fueling an increase in exhibitors at the World Travel Market (WTM) last year.
Any news? Contact exhibitionworld@mashmedia.net
