The UK’s hyper-active Mark Allen Group (MAG) has just completed one of its smallest B2B deals, with the acquisition of the Regen exhibition and conference from the privately-owned regional organiser Eton Events. But the event which – even before the pandemic pause – had revenues of less than £100k, might just give MAG some interesting opportunities. It’s all about regeneration – a hot political topic in the UK where politicians have belatedly acknowledged that the national economy is skewed towards London and the south east.
Regen serves what the outgoing organiser described as “the regeneration industry”. But exhibitors from construction, urban planning, civil engineering, and renewable energy better illustrate its scope.
Our guess is that MAG is eying the involvement of local authorities, public bodies and professional associations as a powerful – and lucrative – coalition for what could become a network of regional events (trade show, conference, awards, and training) across the UK. The next Regen in Liverpool in November might be too soon. But you can bet MAG will be hoping to get UK prime minister Boris Johnson to support the “regen” campaign (he calls it “levelling up”). Politicians will love it.
MAG was founded by former journalist Mark Allen. The family-owned company – which has more B2B print magazines than is fashionable – is expected to have record 2021-2 revenue of £60m (2020-21: £54.6m) and EBITDA of £12.3m (£8.4m).
