GLOBUS Events (formerly VNU Exhibitions Asia) has signed a strategic co-operation agreement with Beijing Qiyang International Exhibition Group Co., Ltd., including an equity investment in the Qiyang’s series of catering industry exhibitions – the Qiyang Hotpot Exhibition – one of China’s leading catering industry exhibition platforms. The move marks GLOBUS Events’ formal entry into the Food & Beverage (F&B) exhibition sector and strengthens its expansion into high-growth, Tier-2 city markets in China.
The agreement was signed by Edwin Tan, CEO of GLOBUS Events, and Mr Gao Yuan, founder of Beijing Qiyang International Exhibition Group, during the Qiyang International Exhibition Group Service Provider Synergy Conference.
This investment follows GLOBUS Events’ recent majority acquisitions of Beijing Lanneret International Exhibitions and Uniris Exhibition Shanghai Co., Ltd., after the company became a portfolio company of global private equity firm Advent in February 2024. The transactions underscore GLOBUS Events’ strategy of building a scalable exhibition platform across multiple industry verticals and markets in China.
Founded in 2015, the Qiyang Hotpot Exhibition has grown into a major exhibition brand serving China’s rapidly expanding foodservice sector. By 2025, it has established events in Beijing, Tianjin, Zhengzhou, Chengdu, and Nanjing, with a total exhibition area of 250,000sqm and approximately 500,000 professional visitors annually. Its flagship event held in Zhengzhou, the capital city of Henan province in Central China, occupies 128,000sqm of space and attracts 200,000 visitors each year.
Commenting on the partnership, Edwin Tan said: “This is a powerful alliance that combines both organisers’ strengths in operational expertise, industry connections, and market access. This investment enables GLOBUS Events to enter the F&B exhibition sector through a market-leading platform with strong regional reach. Qiyang’s deep industry expertise and access to China’s fast-growing Tier-2 cities will complement our operational capabilities and long-term growth strategy.”
Gao Yuan added: “This collaboration brings not only capital but also GLOBUS Events’ proven high level expertise in the exhibition industry. By combining our strong domestic industry foundation with GLOBUS Events’ international management standards and global resources, we are well positioned to enhance exhibition quality, expand scale, and accelerate the international development of our platform.”
Post-transaction, the exhibitions will be operated by GLOBUS Qiyang (Zhengzhou) Exhibition Co., Ltd., a newly established joint venture by the parties.
Source: www.exhibitionworld.co.uk
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