Pure London owner considers exhibitions sale

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Feb 27, 2018

Ascential, the company behind trade shows like Pure London and information services like WGSN, is considering the sale of its exhibitions business.

The division includes home and gift shows Spring and Autumn Fair; educational technology events under the Bett brand; and Pure, London’s leading fashion trade show.

“These brands are all number one in their markets and are of a size and scale that allows us to consider a variety of options to maximize their future value and enhance our overall organic growth rates,” said Duncan Painter CEO.

The company’s financial report revealed on Monday that Pure generated £9.1m in revenue in 2017, down 3% on the previous year. The trade show welcomed over 18,000 visitors and over 1,000 exhibitors across its two editions last year.

Moving forward, Ascential aims to focus on its festivals and digital business, including WGSN. The global provider of intelligence, insight and trend forecast increased its revenue by 6% to £73.6m in the year as it continued to expand both its customer base and product offerings.

WGSN launched two new products during the year: Barometer, which provides customers with insight into their brand’s impact; and Coloro, a new venture with China’s CTIC that offers a universal categorisation of the colour spectrum for design professionals and manufacturers.

The strategic review of Ascential’s exhibition business could see Pure London sold individually or as part of a pack. The London fashion fair launched this month the Pure Origins platform to unite global fashion manufacturers and buyers.