The agreement of the acquisition was signed in Shanghai on 10 November 2017 between Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and Beijing Traders-Link Plus International Exhibition Co Ltd. In the agreement, both parties accorded to form a new joint venture company named Messe Frankfurt Traders-Link (Beijing) Co Ltd, in which Messe Frankfurt will hold the majority interest. This acquisition is also strongly supported by industry associations: the China Automotive Maintenance Equipment Industry Association (CAMEIA) and the China Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association (CAMRA), who are also the co-organisers of Automotive Maintenance & Repair Expo (AMR).
The signing of the agreement took place on 10 November 2017 in Shanghai between Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and Beijing Traders-Link Plus International Exhibition Co Ltd
Move enforces Messe Frankfurt’s mobility portfolio across Asia
Messe Frankfurt is present in 178 countries and hosts exhibitions and conferences in around 50 locations with its brands and brand families. The company has an extensive network and expertise in mobility and logistics sector, including the renowned Automechanika brand with 17 shows in 15 countries and 16 other automotive events worldwide.
The acquisition will allow Messe Frankfurt to enrich its maintenance and repair sector within its mobility portfolio, as well as its market share in Asia. Mr Stephan Buurma, Member of the Board of Management of Messe Frankfurt Group, shared his view: “The Automechanika brand shows in Shanghai, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City and New Delhi, as well as the CAPAS show in Chengdu, together cover all areas of the value chain to serve the flourishing aftermarket sector in Asia and in China in particular. The next step is to strengthen our presence in each of the industry’s sectors.”
“Being the biggest automobile market in the world, China’s repair and maintenance market is growing eminently. This new acquisition provides fast access for our key customers in the automotive field to penetrate this booming market,” Mr Buurma added.
Mr Steven Wang, General Manager of Beijing Traders-Link Plus International Exhibition Co Ltd, believes the agreement comes at a good time for international key players to tap into the evolving repair and maintenance sector. He said: “With the recently passed Administrative Measures for Automobile Sales policy and the increase in out-of-warranty vehicles, the sector’s structure is expected to evolve from the domination of 4S, to multiple forms such as independent workshops and online platforms. Despite the aftermarket being more competitive than ever, it unlocks unprecedented opportunities for distributors, end-users and stakeholders from the global repair and maintenance suppliers. I am certain that the move is mutually beneficial to both local and international industry counterparts.” Mr Wang also said that with the new acquisition, the organiser is projecting an increase in the 2018 show’s scale to 1,200 exhibitors and 60,000 visits.
Co-organisers of the show, the China Automotive Maintenance Equipment Industry Association (CAMEIA) and the China Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association (CAMRA) expressed their optimism in the move. Mr Xie Jiaju, the Chairman of CAMEIA said: “I am glad to see the presence of Messe Frankfurt in AMR. They are one of the world’s leading trade fair organisers with a strong international network and experience in the global automotive markets. With them on board, we can enhance the internationality of this long-established and the leading industry fair. It’s a win-win situation for our members and industry counterparts.” Mr Yan Bo, the Secretary General of CAMRA added: “Both the show and the automotive market will profit hugely from the signing. It will tighten the relationship between the international markets and the local companies.”
