mergers & acquisitions  Ipex 
IIR Exhibitions, which has held the management contract for Ipex since 1998 has purchased the Ipex brand in a move which will see the world’s largest print and packaging trade show added to IIR’s other national print shows. IIR Exhibitions own and runs Digital Print World, Northprint, Flexo and Newstec.

IIR managing director Nicky Mason says the acquisition for an undisclosed price, would enable the show organiser to expand the Ipex brand to other events and countries.

‘The move demonstrates IIR Exhibitions’ commitment to the print industry and underpins the other events in our portfolio. It is our intention to carefully research the potential for Ipex-branded events, probably dedicated to specific sectors of print, throughout the world,’ she says.

Picon chief executive John Brazier said the sale would secure the future of the organisation.

“For Picon, this decision represents a significant step forward for the organisation’s future financial stability and will enable Picon to maintain its wide-ranging services and support packages for its members and its influence across the sectors it represents,’ he says.

Picon is dedicated to the promotion and development of UK manufacturers and suppliers to the print and paper industries and is the driving force behind the PrintIT! initiative, which aims to bring more youngsters into the industry.