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Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt Ltd, the Indian subsidiary of international exhibitions group Messe Frankfurt, has announced the acquisition of Fitex India, the largest fitness and health event on the subcontinent.

Announced today, the acquisition gives Messe Frankfurt ownership of Fitex India trade fair, previously owned and organised by Haryana-based trade fair company Smart Events.

Continuing to diversify into high-growth markets around the world, Wolfgang Marzin, President and Chief Executive of Messe Frankfurt, commented "Smart Events has built Fitex into a strong business serving an exclusive niche segment that is well-positioned in the rapidly growing fitness, health and wellness industry.

“We are committed to back great management teams to grow, so this is a strategic addition to our portfolio and one which we feel will strengthen long-term value for our shareholders. The acquisition demonstrates Messe Frankfurt’s continued growth initiatives to expand its business segments in India.”

The Indian fitness market is currently valued around INR 4,670 crores (US$725 million), growing at a rate of around 18% and is estimated to reach INR 7,000 crores (US$1,100 million) in value by 2019.

Growing affluence among India’s middle classes and a rise in wellness awareness is driving a growing number of fitness facilities.

While the cooperation will allow Messe Frankfurt to tap this high-potential market to expand its business segments in India, the collaboration will give Smart Events a stronger reach for Fitex India through Messe Frankfurt’s strong professional subsidiary in India as well as its global network.

Having made its debut in 2014, Fitex India is held annually in Delhi and has grown into one of the country’s largest fitness and health exhibition. The most recent event in Delhi in 2016 featured 42 exhibitors covering 7,000 metre² of gross exhibition space with feature area with live stage performance arena, training zone, and other fringe programs attracting 12,000 trade visitors.

With three successful editions, Smart Events felt this was an ideal time to take the event to the next level in its growth and raise the bar for sector players.

The fourth edition of this key business event, scheduled on 5th and 6th May 2018 at the India Expo Centre & Mart, will be jointly organised by both the companies and will continue to maintain its focus on the business of fitness through its exhibition and fringe program format. Together, the partners are committed to create a platform that will strengthen value for its customers and involve, innovate, and inspire great ideas and networking opportunities. 

Standing strong with 20 trade fairs and over 35 conferences in its portfolio, the acquisition is another step that reinforces Messe Frankfurt’s leading position in India while highlighting its strategic growth initiatives through continued progress and penetration into new industry segments.

Raj Manek, Managing Director, Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India added “this move defines our focus of acting on industry trends and is a completely new and exciting segment for us.

“We will closely work with Smart Events and have a clear integration plan to realise the synergies of this combination and create value propositions for the health, wellness and fitness industry players.” The company remains confident in its 2018 outlook to diversify its revenue base.

For more information go to www.in.messefrankfurt.com

Click here for details for Fitex India in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

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