Clarion Events looks at first round of bids

Event 31-Jan-08

As Event went to press, Clarion Events was considering a first round of private bids for its business, valued at around £120m.

Clarion's private equity owner Hg Capital appointed investment bank
Close Brothers to carry out a strategic review of the organiser in
October.

The auction coincides with the third anniversary of the firm's £45m management buy-out from Earls Court and Olympia, led by managing

director, Simon Kimble.

Meanwhile in Scotland, Clarion Retail has handed over management of its
Spring and Autumn Scotland's Trade Fairs, and Scotland Food Fair,
Spring, to Springboard Events, headed up by former Clarion Events
Scotland managing director Mark Saunders. Springboard will manage the
events for three years.