Wednesday June 04, 2008

London will be home to one of a global "super group" of exhibition venues, following the announcement that ExCeL London has been acquired by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

ADNEC is promising significant investment in the East London site as part of its vision to create a global network of exhibition venues. ADNEC's existing venue in Abu Dhabi is the largest exhibition venue in the Gulf and widely regarded as the most modern facility of its type in the world.

Kevin Murphy, Deputy CEO and MD Exhibitions, has been appointed as the new CEO. Commenting on the acquisition, Kevin Murphy: "This represents a significant investment in the future of the UK's events and exhibition industry and will allow the management team to complete our vision for the ExCeL London campus to maintain our position as a world-class venue and events destination."

Announcing the deal, CEO Simon Horgan said: "This is hugely exciting for ADNEC, for ExCeL London and for London. ExCeL London has a great management team in place to realise the ambitious plans we have to put this established, prestigious UK venue on the world exhibition stage."

ExCeL's Chairman, the Rt Hon Lord King of Bridgwater, said: "The offer from ADCG represents exciting opportunities for the business. All who work at ExCeL has earned a deservedly high reputation for the excellent service we provide to the organisers, exhibitors and visitors. There is now the exciting prospect for further development of this important London destination."