UBM ACQUIRES BUSINESS JOURNALS IN MOVE TO UNIFY MARKETS
U.K.-based events and marketing organization UBM plc has acquired Business Journals, Inc. (BJI), parent company to fashion trade shows Accessories The Show, FAME, Moda, EDIT, Stitch, and MRket, as well as trade magazines MR and Accessories. With this acquisition, UBM expands its U.S. fashion event portfolio, adding BJI’s brands to its MAGIC, Project, Coterie, FN Platform, and other fashion events.
According to the announcement made by UBM, the integration of BJI’s trade show operations into UBM’s properties will improve buyers’ experience of shopping the market. Going forward, a unified show experience will be rolled out for buyers and brands with improved market dates, locations, and show configurations that best serve market needs.
“Having BJI’s shows join Coterie, MAGIC, and Project within the same company provides the fashion industry with a comprehensive range of finely segmented shows to serve the needs of every fashion category,” said Scott Schulman, CEO, UBM Americas. “Adding BJI allows us to be more responsive to our customers as we work to coordinate venues and dates, and organize show floors to make the process easier and more valuable for exhibitors and retailers. Moreover, as part of UBM, BJI becomes part of a global company that can help its customers expand internationally.”
Added Chris DeMoulin, Managing Director, Fashion, UBM Americas: “Having the greatest possible selection of brands brought together in one place and merchandised in a compelling way makes every retailer’s life easier, and helps the wholesale buying process. We are really excited about the expanded possibilities for helping retail buyers be more efficient and find the best products for their stores. In doing so, we will be bringing exhibitors an even greater number of retailers who want to find and buy the best fashions. Additionally, having media brands like MR and Accessories will help our markets stay informed and connected 365 days a year.”
Britton Jones, President and CEO of BJI, commented: “UBM Americas is the perfect home for BJI’s hallmark brands. The complementary nature of our portfolios and teams will undoubtedly create opportunities for growth and a better overall experience for our brands and retailers. I am excited by this union and confident that together we will craft the future of events for the fashion industry. This is a great day for our customers, our industry and for BJI.”
Check back for more updates as we get them.
Dear BJI Fashion Group Team:
Having attended a great many of your shows over the years I congratulate you on setting the standard that others have emulated. Am I happy for all of you who will profit from this sale. You all have made an amazing impact on the industry and hope sincerely that UBM will maintain what it has taken so many years build.
All the best,