Infopro Digital has acquired the company that runs the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF).
The business information services firm has acquired Built Environment Networking Ltd; a deal that is expected strengthen Infopro’s position as an international provider of trade shows and events for the construction, built environment, and public sectors.
In particular, UKREiiF – an event aimed at real estate, property, and infrastructure – is considered to “enhance” the company’s presence in the UK. It already runs brands such as Risk.net (risk management), Haynes (automotive), and Barbour ABI (construction).
Infopro Digital’s portfolio includes SIMI, a French trade show that attracts 26,000 attendees, and is similar to UKREiiF as both events are heavily attended by investors, developers, and the public sector.
The company operates five offices with more than 450 staff in the UK, while employing more than 4,000 worldwide.
The acquisition sees Keith and Amanda Griffiths, the founders of Built Environment Networking Ltd leave the business.
Keith Griffiths said: “Infopro Digital is the ideal partner to continue the development of UKREiiF, ensuring that the values and quality of UKREiiF are preserved. I’m confident that under their stewardship UKREiiF will reach new heights and continue to serve our community with excellence.”
Nathan Spencer has been promoted to managing director and will head up the UKREiiF business unit within the Infopro Digital portfolio.
Spencer added: “We have a long-serving team who’ve worked on UKREiiF, all of whom have been instrumental in creating, delivering and growing UKREiiF to what it is today – and we cannot wait to kickstart the next phase of our journey alongside Infopro Digital.”
Built Environment Networking Ltd announced in 2023 that the business had moved to an employee ownership model.
Christophe Czajka, founder and executive chairman of Infopro Digital, said: “UKREiiF has become a key event for the real estate, property and infrastructure communities in a short time. We admired how it achieved this by offering relevant content, high-quality networking and a great delegate experience. We also recognise the huge efforts it made to support equality, diversity and inclusion.”
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