Newspaper group Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT) has acquired the remaining 51% of US-based trade show operator George Little Management (GLM) for $155 million (£77 million).

Newspaper group Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT) has acquired the remaining 51% of US-based trade show operator George Little Management (GLM) for $155 million (£77 million).

The purchase of GLM, North America’s largest private tradeshow management firm, was made through the group’s exhibitions division, dmg world media. GLM becomes wholly owned with effect from October 1, 2007.

The exhibitions group acquired an initial 25% stake in GLM in January 2000, subsequently acquiring further stakes and holding 49% of the firm by the start of 2007. dmg was required to purchase the outstanding shares by 2014 and this strategy has now been accelerated.

In its most recent financial year to October 2006, GLM’s operating profit was $18 million on revenues of $70 million.

Already holding gift trade shows on the US west coast, on completion of the acquisition dmg world media will be the largest exhibition organiser in North America. The company organises 10 of the top 200 trade shows and eight of the top 50 shows in Canada.

Meanwhile, dmg world media also announced it is to sell its Home Interest business in North America. This business unit comprises 40 consumer home shows in 28 cities across the US and Canada.