Tarsus fares well

International business-to-business media company Tarsus Group has purchased the entire share capital of WR Kern Organisation, the holding company of Fairs and Exhibitions (F&E).


International business-to-business media company Tarsus Group has purchased the entire share capital of WR Kern Organisation, the holding company of Fairs and Exhibitions (F&E).

International business-to-business media company Tarsus Group has purchased the entire share capital of WR Kern Organisation, the holding company of Fairs and Exhibitions (F&E).

An initial cash consideration of £11.3 million will be followed by a payment of £5.5 million, based on the future performance of the business over the period to 30 April 2009.

WR Kern’s sole operating company, Fairs and Exhibitions (F&E), has been focused on the Middle East since 1976 where it is among the largest exhibition organisers. A significant proportion of F&E’s revenue is derived from the biennial Dubai Airshow, now in its tenth year and scheduled to be held between 11 and 15 November.

Douglas Emslie, Tarsus Group managing director, said: “This acquisition presents Tarsus with a unique opportunity to accelerate our strategy of expansion into fast-growing markets. The Dubai Airshow is now Tarsus’ largest event and immediately gives us scale and exposure in the Middle East.”

Due to the biennial nature of the F&E business, this acquisition is expected to be earnings enhancing in the current year and also over the biennial cycle of 2008 and 2009.

Marc Barber

Marc Barber

Marc was editor of GrowthBusiness from 2006 to 2010. He specialised in writing about entrepreneurs, private equity and venture capital, mid-market M&A, small caps and high-growth businesses.

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