ExCeL London acquires London Commercial Design Center

London Exhibition Center (“excellence”), a 100% owned subsidiary of the ADNEC Group (“Abu Dhabi National Oil Company”) and an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Modon Holding PSC (“Modong Holdings”) has completed the acquisition of BDCG Holdings, the 100% owner of Business Design Center (Business Design Center)“BDC”), one of the leading trade and exhibition venues located in London, UK.

As part of ExCeL’s ongoing investment in the UK MICE industry, the acquisition secures a long-term commitment to one of London’s most historic and popular MICE venues.

Originally the Royal Agricultural Hall dating back to 1862, the BDC is now a Grade II listed site with 4.5 acres of freehold grounds, hosting leading events, award ceremonies and product launches, as well as long-running exhibitions , such as London Art Fair, HIX and Surface Design Show. Hosting over 130 events each year and attracting over 900,000 visitors, the North London venue is an award-winning venue and is currently the Exhibition Press Venue of the Year. In addition to 6,000 square meters of dedicated event and conference space, BDC offers over 12,500 square meters of high-quality lettable space for showrooms, offices and serviced offices. The property also includes the freehold land for the Hilton hotel in Islington, London.

The acquisition of BDC is an important milestone in the long-term growth strategy of Modon Holding and ADNEC, adding a prestigious asset to the heart of London, one of the world’s premier events destinations. The move highlights Modon Holding and ADNEC’s commitment to investing in and supporting the growth of the global events industry. With its good reputation and long history, the BDC will provide ADNEC and ExCeL with an ideal platform to enhance their influence in the field.

BDC will form part of ADNEC’s award-winning venue portfolio, marking the fourth venue in the group’s portfolio, which includes renowned and globally recognized MICE event centers such as ADNEC Center in Abu Dhabi, ADNEC Center in Al Ain and ExCeL in London. It also increases ADNEC’s asset base.

Since ADNEC acquired ExCeL in 2008, the venue has continued to expand, operating approximately 125,000 square meters of MICE space, and in 2010 became London’s first international conference center. With a recent expansion of 25,000 m2, ExCeL has become the largest comprehensive conference and exhibition center in Europe. ExCeL is also home to the recently opened Immerse LDN, the UK’s largest immersive entertainment area.

ExCeL CEO Jeremy Rees said: “ADNEC has been an unwavering supporter of London’s events and business tourism industry since acquiring ExCeL 15 years ago. The acquisition of the renowned BDC further underlines this commitment. We look forward to integrating the BDC into the ADNEC ecosystem and will continue to strongly Investment to ensure that ExCeL and BDC provide the highest quality platform for the events industry, reinforcing London’s position as a leading global events destination.”

Center for Business Design chairman Jack Morris CBE, who is retiring, said: “For sale of Commercial Design Centre, the Morris family’s flagship business founded by my founder

The decision visionary father Sam Morris made 40 years ago was anything but an easy, emotional one. But now is the time. My brothers and I are no longer getting any younger and it’s time to pass the baton to new owners who understand and respect what we built. ADNEC has a long and recognized history of building, owning and managing venues and I wish them every success in taking BDC forward. I would also like to thank the wider BDC family – our management team, employees, customers, service partners and business partners – for their loyalty, support, contribution and friendship over the years and wish them all the best for the future. “

For more information, please visit:

www.modon.com
www.adnecgroup.ae
www.excel.london
www.businessdesigncentre.co.uk