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Cobepa Successfully Completes Acquisition of Easyfairs in Partnership with Inflexion and Founder
Brussels, 24 July 2024 – Cobepa is pleased to announce the completion of the acquisition of Easyfairs, a Brussels-based international events company. Following the initial announcement on 30 May 2024, all necessary conditions have now been met. Cobepa, Inflexion, and Easyfairs Founder Eric Everard all have equal representation in this partnership. This collaboration will empower Easyfairs to accelerate organic growth with new event launches and geo-clone existing successful event brands, broadening its geographic and sector presence. It will also enable the group to strengthen its leadership in big data and AI technologies and unlock additional strategic M&A opportunities.
The new Board structure reflects equal representation from the three parties. Each will have two directors at the holding company level, these being Eric Everard**, Arnaud Laviolette, Aurélien Delavallée, Filip Vanderschueren, Tom Green, and William An. Eric Everard will continue to serve as the Chairman of the Board. Additionally, Anne Lafère*, Matt Benyon*, Marc Hellemans*, and Benoît David will remain directors of the operating companies.
Eric Everard, Easyfairs’ Founding Father and Group Chairman is reinvesting a significant portion of his majority stake in Easyfairs, further solidifying his commitment to the company's success. He commented: “This is a pivotal moment! I am delighted and confident that this partnership will usher in a new era of development for Easyfairs, benefiting our exhibitors, visitors, team members and partners. With Cobepa and Inflexion’s backing, we are now in a prime position to enhance our technological capabilities and expand our global footprint, ensuring continued success and innovation in the events industry.”
Aurélien Delavallée, Managing Director at Cobepa and Easyfairs Board Member commented: “We are very pleased to partner with Eric Everard, Inflexion and the Management Team to accompany the next phase of growth of Easyfairs. The Company has established itself as a clear leader in its industry through its differentiated, innovative, and sustainable approach to events management and is ideally positioned to continue and accelerate its growth through organic and inorganic initiatives.”
Tom Green, Partner at Inflexion and Easyfairs Board member, remarked, “We are thrilled to officially begin our partnership. With the deal now finalised, we look forward to working closely with Eric and the management team to support and achieve Easyfairs’ ambitious growth plans.”
* Acting on behalf of their respective management company
Find the full press release here