The fundamental aim of the combined GES and Melville entity is to enhance service levels to our customers be they organisers, exhibitors or fellow contractors, and GES and Melville firmly believe that there are significant opportunities to improve service, particularly through the use of technology. The companies are committed to sharing best practices, client support systems and to improve the show organiser and exhibitor experience both in the UK and the USA.

GES and Melville respect and recognise the fact that the UK and US markets operate quite differently. Exhibition labour and business practices vary widely between countries, and while there are opportunities to share and learn, we also respect the fact that there are different practices that are geography centric.

GES has a significant history of managing and respecting different labour and business practices that vary from one city to another within in the US. GES and Melville would continue to manage and respect these differences to ensure the best client experience for both show organisers and exhibitors participating in exhibitions in the UK and the USA.

The world is becoming more global, and the merger provides new opportunities to offer seamless service to exhibition clients throughout the world. The management teams of GES and Melville firmly believe that this is the right step for both companies and for our clients. We look forward to our clients benefiting from this acquisition.

Kevin Rabbitt, GES president and chief executive
Nick Marshall, Melville chief executive

To view Kevin Rabbitt's interview, click here

To read Pat McLaughlin's comments, click here