Nineteen Group has acquired Blueprint Exhibitions and Conferences Ltd known as Blueprint Event Company, an international business-to-business exhibition and conference organiser focused on industrial technology, lubricants, bearings and advanced manufacturing. Founded in 2020, Blueprint has developed a portfolio of specialist international events, including Lubricant Expo Europe, Lubricant Expo Middle East and Lubricant Expo North America. Its exhibitions and conferences connect manufacturers, suppliers and industry professionals across industrial markets.
The acquisition expands Nineteen Group’s manufacturing and asset management portfolio. Both businesses focus on industrial productivity, engineering and innovation. As part of Nineteen Group, Blueprint will have access to the wider group’s international network and experience in developing business-to-business events, supporting the expansion of its exhibitions and relationships with exhibitors, visitors and partners. Blueprint will continue operating from its headquarters in Hove, East Sussex, with its existing team responsible for delivering its scheduled exhibitions and conferences.
Alison Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of Nineteen Group, said Blueprint was a strong addition to the company’s international events portfolio. She noted that the business had developed a range of events that complemented Nineteen Group’s activities and could create further opportunities for the industries served by both organisations.
Paul Hooker, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Blueprint Event Company, said joining Nineteen Group would help the business develop its existing portfolio and provide greater support to exhibitors, visitors and partners. He said the companies shared an approach to understanding their industries, supporting their teams and delivering events that serve the needs of participating businesses.
Anthony Roberts, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Blueprint, said finding a suitable partner had been important to the company after six years of development. He said the shared outlook and emphasis on people and culture made Nineteen Group a suitable partner for its next stage of growth.
The companies also acknowledged the advisers involved in the transaction, including Steve Monnington, Anna John and Matt Beazley of Mayfield; Malcolm Murray and Will Chivers of Lee & Thompson; and Becky Rees and the team at Parisi. The acquisition forms part of Nineteen Group’s international expansion strategy and its investment in specialist business communities across industrial and technology markets.
Nineteen Group is an international exhibitions and media business that operates more than 50 events across 17 sectors. Its markets include the built environment, safety and security, advanced manufacturing, technology, aerospace, finance and payments. The company is headquartered in Wimbledon, London, with regional offices in Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and the United States.
Blueprint Event Company organises international business-to-business exhibitions and conferences serving industrial technology, lubricants, bearings and advanced manufacturing markets. Its portfolio includes Lubricant Expo events in Europe, the Middle East and North America.
