Update VNU exhibitions Asia Ltd in China

Royal Jaarbeurs sells its share in VNU Exhibitions Asia Ltd in China to Advent International

Utrecht, 2 February 2024 –Royal Jaarbeurs operates outside of Europe in countries as diverse as Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, the UAE and Rwanda with renowned international events such as VIV, ILDEX and HORTI AGRI NEXT. The company has until now also been active in China via its shares in VNU Exhibitions Asia Ltd (VNU EA). Now, following a strategic reorientation, Jaarbeurs has sold its 70% share in VNU EA in China to Advent International, a major player in the global private equity sector, on 1 February. Royal Jaarbeurs will continue to develop, organise and facilitate national and international events from Utrecht and via VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific in Bangkok.  

“The market in Asia is very promising,” says Jeroen van Hooff, CEO of Royal Jaarbeurs. “We are taking our international events to Asia and introducing impressive Asian titles to the European market. With our own office in Bangkok, Jaarbeurs serves as a ‘gateway to Asia’ including destinations such as Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey. The sale of VNU EA in China offers us the opportunity to position ourselves even more firmly in the Netherlands and internationally outside of China. 

“Led by David Zhong, the local management team at VNU EA has organised numerous successful events in China over the years, including Domotex Asia, R+T Asia and Pet Fair Asia. This has helped VNU EA become a major player in the Chinese event industry. With the arrival of Advent International as a new shareholder, VNU EA will have a firm foundation to further strengthen its position. As Royal Jaarbeurs and VNU EA will continue the VIV Select China and Pet Fair South East Asia events together, we look forward to a fruitful partnership with Advent.” 

VIV & Horti Agri Next (HAN)

VIV is the global quality event by Royal Jaarbeurs for the animal protein industry, bringing together professionals active in the production of poultry, eggs, pork, fish and dairy products. VIV flagship shows take place in the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand and Rwanda, while satellite VIV events can also be attended in Turkey, China, the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam. A new concept was launched in November 2023 during VIV MEA (Middle East Africa) in Abu Dhabi. Horti Agri Next (HAN) MEA 2023 focuses on professionals in the agricultural sector and showcases new products, innovations and technologies. As a result, the entire food chain – both animal and vegetable – is represented, ensuring that both events make a significant contribution to the food transition worldwide. In 2025, the first edition of HAN Asia will also be launched and co-located with VIV Asia in Bangkok.

Health and Innovation Asia 2024

Via its subsidiary VNU Asia Pacific in Thailand, Royal Jaarbeurs has launched the brand-new trade exhibition Health and Innovation Asia 2024. From 11 to 13 September 2024, Bangkok will serve as the meeting place for thousands of Asian healthcare professionals. The new event focuses on the digital transformation in healthcare and aims to contribute to a sustainable and future-proof healthcare sector in Asia.  

Cybersec Asia 2024

Royal Jaarbeurs also organised the very first edition of Cybersec Asia 2024 from 31 January to 1 February 2024 in Bangkok via its subsidiary VNU Asia Pacific. Previous editions of Cybersec took place in Brussels and Utrecht. 

About Royal Jaarbeurs

Royal Jaarbeurs has been organising and facilitating conferences and events for over a century. Live and online, national and international, the focus is primarily on sectors such as health & life sciences, construction & installation, logistics, travel & leisure and the food industry. Jaarbeurs is a leader within the events sector in the fields of sustainability and digitalisation.    

About VNU Asia Pacific Ltd (VNU AP)

VNU AP in Bangkok is a joint venture between Royal Jaarbeurs and TCC Group. It has a constantly expanding portfolio that currently comprises 12 trade shows and events covering brands in a variety of sectors such as AgriTech, livestock, food, science, and biotechnology. Its most popular exhibition titles in Southeast Asia are VIV Asia, ILDEX (Vietnam & Indonesia), AGRITECHNICA ASIA, Horti ASIA (both in partnership with DLG International) and Thailand LAB INTERNATIONAL.

About VNU Exhibitions Asia Ltd (VNU EA)

VNU EA is headquartered in Shanghai and was a joint venture between Royal Jaarbeurs and Keylong Exhibitions until 1 February 2024. The company has over 150 employees and organises events in China for clients worldwide. Its portfolio is focused on new industries, construction, urban development, the food industry and various other sectors.