Global performance improvement company Grass Roots Group today announced that it has added another new member to its growing family of businesses – HBI (formerly Hotel Brokers International).

This venue-sourcing agency will continue to be led by founder and managing director Des Mclaughlin, and will retain all 44 employees based in its south-west London office.

The acquisition makes Grass Roots Group the largest, and leading, events specialist in the UK, and will enhance its global market reach in the 16 countries where it has offices.

HBI, which specialises in global venue and accommodation sourcing for its blue-chip clients, particularly in the financial industry and professional services sector, joins the events division of the Grass Roots Group led by Maritz’ managing director and Grass Roots board member Nick Bender.

The addition of HBI will increase the group’s managed event spend on behalf of clients to in excess of £120 million a year, and will make a significant addition to the current group turnover of £284 million.

“Following the acquisitions of DMS and MMM – and now HBI – there are some 300 plus events specialists working under the overall direction of Nick Bender,” said Grass Roots Group chairman David Evans. “The acquisition of HBI adds greatly to our venue-sourcing capacity and technology solutions, while offering excellent cross-client opportunities, further strengthening our status as leaders in the events industry.”

Meanwhile, commenting on joining Grass Roots, HBI managing director Des Mclaughlin said: “There are significant synergies between our clients, our values and the way we choose to do business, and I am delighted to become part of such an industry-leading organisation. I look forward to expanding the business further with the backing and of Grass Roots and continuing our development of unrivalled meeting solutions for clients.”