Informa Exhibition’s IIR division has acquired Quartz Publishing and Exhibitions from owners Keith Harris and Paul Michael for an undisclosed sum.
 
The deal includes Quartz’s triennial International Materials Handling Exhibition (IMHX), next scheduled at The NEC from 19 to 22 March 2013. According to Quartz, the show attracts 350 exhibitions and more than 10,000 visitors and is co-owned by the British Industrial Truck Association.
 
Other products sold off are Storage Handling and Distribution magazine, Solids and Bulk Handling magazine and the new Temperature Controlled Storage and Distribution (TCS&D) and Frozen and Chilled Foods (F&CF) Shows, which took place in Peterborough last month. TCS&D and F&CF are co-owned by Sherwin Publishers, which also owns two magazines bearing the same titles.
 
However, Michael and Harris will retain the cleaning portfolio of products under their separate Quartz Business Media company in Redhill.
 
In a statement, IIR said the acquisition will boost its position in the logistics and supply chain sector and sit alongside the organiser’s existing TOC Container Supply Chain global series, Intermodal exhibition, RORO conference and exhibition and Lloyd’s List Containerisation International, Cargo Systems and IFW publications.
 
“This acquisition is a good fit for IIR and the strength and depth of Quartz’s Materials Handling products will provide the perfect platform from which to expand our logistics portfolio both in the UK and overseas,” IIR MD Peter Hall said. “Quartz is an exceptionally well-managed business with an excellent reputation in the industry.”
 
Quartz’s Paul Michael also highlighted the synergy between its Materials Handling products and IIR’s.
 
“We believe that Informa has the management team and international resources necessary to grow the business for the benefit of the exhibitors and visitors,” he said. “This also represents a great opportunity for the staff to join a large company that is enthusiastic and committed to the handling and logistics industry.”
 
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