Messe Frankfurt has reported a new record total of more than EUR550m (US$684.7m) in sales in 2014, while also generating sustainable positive earnings.
“Messe Frankfurt events worldwide played host to over 84,900 exhibitors – more than ever before – and over three million visitors,” said Detlef Braun, member of the executive board of Messe Frankfurt. “Of the 120 trade fairs and exhibitions that took place around the globe, 76 events were held outside Germany. We set new records with over 43,000 exhibitors and 1.5m visitors.”
At over EUR45m, the company’s pre-tax earnings were at a high and stable level, and according to the venue and organiser, consolidated annual net income will be more than EUR30m this year.
“With our sustainable profitability, we create the scope we need for developing our company and, in turn, strengthen our market position in global growth markets,” said Wolfgang Marzin, president and CEO of Messe Frankfurt, as part of the firm’s long-term ‘Messe Frankfurt 2020’ plan.
Consolidated sales of more than 354m were generated over the past 12 months in Germany, which slightly dipped in the past two years owing to the event cycle, said the organiser. Sales outside Germany increased significantly owing to business expansion and trade fair cycles.
Consolidated, this figure is in the region of EUR196m, which is also a new record for the German-based company.
Messe Frankfurt’s portfolio was extended by a total of 13 new events in 2014. In India, Messe Frankfurt made six acquisitions, increasing its range of events in the country to a total of 17. The most recent acquisition in Russia was Modern Bakery.
Messe Frankfurt will be joining forces with ZAO Expoforum which owns and operates the new trade fair and congress grounds in St Petersburg.
Messe Frankfurt also launched an event for tool-making, mould-making, design, product development and additive manufacturing technology. Formnext will debut at the Frankfurt exhibition grounds on 24-27 November 2015.
The supervisory board has recently approved an investment volume of around 300m for the second stage of the exhibition grounds expansion as part of the master plan. Now that the architectural competitions for the new South Entrance and for Hall 12 have been brought to a successful close, the course has been set for developing these two large-scale projects.
In 2015, the group aims to further strengthen its strong international position and the Messe Frankfurt brand. “We will continue our course in our core areas of expertise and defined target groups,” Marzin added. “At the same time, we will also serve the most important markets, both in Frankfurt and worldwide. The Messe Frankfurt group will continue to go from strength to strength in the coming year.”
This article was first published in issue 1/4 2015 of EW. Any comments? Email Annie Byrne
