Three major events in the defence and security sector have been acquired by Clarion Events Limited, it was announced today. DSEi (Defence Systems and Equipment International), ITEC and LAAD (Latin American Aero and Defence) have been purchased from Reed Exhibitions, a division of Reed Elsevier, for an undisclosed amount.

Clarion Events, which was itself purchased by VSS for £120m in Feburary of this year, is the largest independent event organiser in the UK with a successful track record stretching back 30 years.

Defence of the realm: Kimble's Clarion secures Reed
Defence Portfolio and shifts attention to IDEX

In an exclusive video interview with EVENTS:review in April, Clarion chief executive Simon Kimble revealed his major ambitions for expansion globally in the wake of the VSS deal, so it’s likely that more acquisitions will be made in the near future. Today, he explained how the company’s new acquisition presents the perfect growth potential, global market and expansion opportunities that Clarion was looking for in a purchase.

Commenting on the acquisition, Kimble said: “The events we have acquired in the defence and security sector are a valuable and profitable addition to our portfolio and fit perfectly with our strategy for international expansion.

“The defence and security sector is an exciting one to be moving into, and we look forward to applying the same very high standards, rigour, experience and skill to organising events in this sector as we do in all of our others.

“Like the gaming sector, which we are also involved with, this sector offers true global potential and is one of the last few sectors not dominated by a major player. Therefore, we are hopeful of making more acquisitions in this area.”

Next on Clarion’s shopping list could well be IDEX, which takes place at ADNEC in Abu Dhabi. “A lot of people are looking at this show, which was formerly owned by Reed,” said Kimble, “and we are certainly interested.”

The three shows being purchased by Clarion Events have all been sold as going concerns, and the sale will involve the transfer of staff under TUPE arrangements.