Centaur Media to dispose of UK's The Meetings Show

Andria Vidler

Centaur Media plc has said it is seeking a buyer for The Meetings Show in the UK, as the company looks to “explore divestment possibilities”.

Centaur has appointed Livingstone Partners and Cavendish Corporate Finance as advisers to assist with a wider divestment programme of many of its ‘live’ assets, which it has said will accelerate simplification of its business structure to improve operational execution and focus on leading brands within the marketing division.

The events division being touted for sale includes the Business Travel Show, The Meetings Show, Sub Con and Employee Benefits.

“We will work with our advisers to explore divestment possibilities and ensure that shareholder value is maximised,” said Centaur Chief Executive Andria Vidler (pictured).

Centaur said it planned to “accelerate the simplification of the group’s structure” to deliver operational benefits and generate cost savings.

David Chapple, Group Event Director for The Meetings Show, said: “Following a strategic review, Centaur is exploring simplifying the group’s structure to realise shareholder value. A consultation period will now take place, but this will have no effect on The Meetings Show 2019, for the team, it’s very much business as usual.”

Centaur has also put selected magazines, including The Lawyer up for sale.

Centaur’s shares raced ahead at the news of the disposals.