Easyfairs, the Belgium-based, top 20 global events organiser has acquired a majority stake in European event Packaging Premiere which next takes place in Milan in May 2020. The show has grown substantially since its launch in 2017, with the third edition in 2019 claiming 242 exhibitors, 13,000 square metres and 6,700 visitors. It is focused on packaging for fashion & accessories, cosmetics, wines & spirits, fine foods and other luxury goods.
The Milan show becomes the 31st annual event in Easyfairs’ packaging portfolio across Europe and North America. It is, though, Easyfairs’ first exhibition in Italy. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Easyfairs, which owns over 200 events in 18 countries and has annual revenues of some €180m, has been the subject of persistent sale speculation among exhibitions industry insiders. The company is owned by former Reed Exhibitions director Eric Everard, who founded Artexis (venues) in 1997, followed by Easyfairs International to launch exhibitions. The companies were merged in 2014.
