Exhibition Hire today announced its acquisition of leading exhibition and conference industry supplier, Expo Hire.

Expo Hire provides a full range of exhibition hire equipment. The acquisition also includes Exhibit (custom stands) and Event Xtra (corporate events). Expo Hire has its head office in Melbourne and employs more than 100 staff.

“This acquisition is a great fit for Exhibition Hire and our clients. As Expo Hire is extremely well established in Melbourne it complements our expansion plans for Victoria and we are implementing an integration strategy to ensure a smooth transition for all our staff and clients over the coming months,” said Jim Delahunty, Managing Director, Exhibition Hire.

“Both companies will benefit significantly from this move which will result in cost savings, greater stock levels and broader service offerings. Exhibition Hire also gains some very experienced staff, underpinned by established contracts and clients.”

Delahunty said he would be working closely on the handover with Expo Hire’s owner and managing director, Peter Matthews, who is widely recognised for his outstanding contribution and industry leadership over the past 30 years.

“Knowing that my business, staff and clients are all in good hands with a respected company that has a vision and plans for the future is very reassuring,” said Matthews.

“I am confident that Exhibition Hire will maintain and develop everything we have worked for, and its experienced management team and resources will present many positive benefits for future company growth.”

The addition of Expo Hire to Exhibition Hire’s other recent acquisitions – AE, FMI and Onsite Power & Light  – positions the company as the largest conference and exhibition industry supplier in Australia. New equity partner and shareholder, ANZ Private Equity, provides Exhibition Hire with the financial backing to continue its business growth strategies.

“We now have critical mass to provide more products and enhanced services to our client in NSW, Victoria and Queensland, and to develop greater career opportunities for all our employees,” said Delahunty.

Expo Hire will continue to trade as Expo Hire in Victoria, and as Exhibition Hire in NSW and Queensland.

Exhibition Hire, established in 1980, is one of Australia’s largest suppliers to the exhibition and event industries and excels in providing a range of quality products and services including shell scheme, custom stands, furniture, audio visual equipment, electrics, graphics and signage. From its offices in Sydney, Brisbane/Gold Coast and Melbourne, Exhibition Hire supplies over 500 events per year in more than 100 venues. Exhibition Hire acquired the AE Group in February 2008 and Onsite Power & Light in August 2008. Exhibition Hire has its head office in Sydney, NSW and the acquisition of Expo Hire brings its total staff to 250.