Tarsus Group acquires controlling stake in Mexico-based EXPO TENDERO

Global B2B media group and event organiser Tarsus has announced that it has acquired a majority interest in the Mexico-based event, EXPO TENDERO.

Launched in November 2019 by Pedro Fernández, CEO of Multipav, EXPO TENDERO is the only event in Mexico specifically focused on the ‘Tenderos’ sector - the ubiquitous corner shops located throughout the country. The inaugural event attracted more than 10,000 store owners to the one-day show. For future editions Tarsus Mexico will partner with Multipav to produce the event.

There are over a million ‘Tenderos’ stores in Mexico, representing approximately 40% of all grocery revenues in the country. The micro-enterprises are thought to represent 7% of the country’s GDP while employing up to 20% of the workforce. Tellingly, the sector has also proved to be resilient throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Commenting on the acquisition, Tarsus vice-president of Latin America Paul St. Amour, said: “Bringing EXPO TENDERO into the Tarsus portfolio has certainly come at an opportune time to support this important industry in Mexico. EXPO TENDERO will meet the needs of the sector, which at the moment is looking to improve processes and embrace digitalisation whilst maintaining the local, friendly approach they are known for. We are very proud to add EXPO TENDERO into the company’s portfolio and to ultimately expand the success that Pedro and his team have already achieved.”

Fernández added: “We were very pleased with the high-quality show delivered to our customers two years ago, along with the market knowledge and relationships we have built, but mostly, we are excited about the expertise that Tarsus Mexico will bring to the table for our second edition as it will lead to an even stronger event for all our customers.”

Douglas Emslie, CEO of Tarsus Group elaborated on the fit for the business: “We are delighted to invest in a new industry and, moreover, one that is at the cornerstone of retail in Mexico. Whilst retail is a new sector for us in the region we have identified synergies with our existing food portfolio and have exciting growth plans for the show going forward.”

EXPO TENDERO 2021 will not run in 2020 but Tarsus will organise its first running of the show, 4-5 August 2021, at Palacio de los Deportes, Mexico City. It will showcase equipment, services and business training for store owners, while also allow suppliers to the sector, from food to toiletries, and key wholesalers to be represented on the show floor.