Press Release- Clarion Events

HG Capital Trust PLC 24 June 2005 The following is the text from a press release issued by HgCapital, which manages the investment portfolio of HgCapital Trust plc alongside those of other clients. The trust, which participates in all of HgCapital's investments, will invest £0.7 million in Amusement Trade Exhibitions Group. HgCapital supports Clarion Events in £13.5 million acquisition of ATE London, 24 June 2005. HgCapital, the sector-focused European mid-market private equity investor, has invested £4.2 million in Clarion Events' £13.5 million acquisition of Amusement Trade Exhibitions Group ('ATE'), the commercial exhibition, conference, publishing and services subsidiary of the British Amusement Catering Trade Association. HgCapital acquired Clarion, the UK's largest independent exhibition and events business, in October 2004 in a £50 million management buy-out to allow the company to further its growth strategy. Over the last four years, the company has doubled in size and now has a turnover of more than £37 million. Its best known consumer shows include the 'Fine Art & Antiques Fair', 'House & Garden', 'MPH' motor show, 'Baby' and 'Caravan & Outdoor' shows; and business exhibitions 'Top Drawer', 'Home & Gift' and 'Mortgage Business Expo'. The acquisition of ATE increases Clarion's portfolio to 44 business and consumer events, and adds industry-leading events Amusement Trade Exhibition International and the International Casino Exhibition, which are staged in London. The portfolio also includes three leading publications: Coinslot, Betting Business and Casino Review. The announcement comes less than a month after Clarion acquired joint-ownership of the NEC's consumer events organising division. Robin Lincoln, Associate Director in HgCapital's media team, said: 'Since we acquired Clarion we have been fully supportive of its growth plans and are pleased to have contributed to this acquisition, which reinforces the company's leading position. The exhibition sector is currently one of the most attractive market segments and we are backing a first-rate management team. We foresee further acquisitions being a regular feature.' Simon Kimble, Chief Executive of Clarion Events commented 'ATE is a world leader in the amusement gambling and betting industries. It has great products and people and operates in an exciting market. This is expected to benefit from changing consumer tastes and changing regulation throughout Europe. We believe that both Clarion and ATE will benefit hugely from the combination of skills and experience.' HgCapital Trust plc, an investment trust that participates in all of HgCapital's investments, has invested £0.7 million. £8 million of additional debt facilities were raised from the Corporate Banking Media Team at The Royal Bank of Scotland. - ends - For further information contact: HgCapital Robin Lincoln +44 (0)20 7089 7941 robin.lincoln@hgcapital.net Clarion Simon Kimble +44 (0)20 7370 8139 Maitland Neil Bennett +44 (0)20 7379 5151 nbennett@maitland.co.uk Peter Ogden pogden@maitland.co.uk This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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