International law firm Osborne Clarke has advised events management specialist UKI Media & Events on its sale to CloserStill Media, producer of market-leading business events, exhibitions and conferences. This strategic move forms the cornerstone of CloserStill's new Future Transport and Infrastructure Group and marks a significant expansion in CloserStill's reach in North America, Europe and Asia.

Founded more than 30 years ago by Tony Robinson, UKI Media & Events operates market-leading specialist trade shows, conferences and media properties across the United States, Europe and Asia serving the automotive, aerospace, marine, transport and infrastructure sectors.   The company was founded with a goal to become the world’s leading magazine publishing and exhibitions operator specialising in the transportation sector.  Awards and accolades have included a much prized ‘PPA International Business Magazine of the Year Award’; being included twice in the prestigious ‘Europe 500 Fastest Growing Companies’ and being listed 32nd in the Sunday Times ‘FastTrack UK 100 Companies’. 

UKI Media & Events runs its shows worldwide, with Europe as its main focus, significant shows running annually in China and USA and events also being held every other year in India, South Korea and from time to time in South America. Some of its leading events include Passenger Terminal Expo, (the world’s biggest airport design show); Automotive Testing Expo, (a global roll-out of five shows); Tire Technology Expo, the premier international tire design and tire manufacturing event held annually in Hannover; and two events that are run in association

CloserStill Media specialises in high-value, content-driven events and the nurturing of B2B or professional communities. The company operates events across a wide range of sub-vertical sectors within Business Technologies, Healthcare and Future Transport and Infrastructure across the U.S., Europe and Asia, with operations and 600 staff in the U.K., USA, Germany, Spain and Singapore.

UKI Media & Events was advised by Osborne Clarke’s market leading corporate team, led by Partner Ken Wilkinson, who was supported by Senior Associate Rav Sagar and Associate Courtney Fowler.  Associate Sarah Smith provided employment advice while Partner Mathew Oliver and Senior Associate Jonny Squires advised on tax matters.

Osborne Clarke advises some of the best and brightest businesses across the events, publishing and marketing services sectors. It is widely recognised for its corporate expertise in these dynamic markets, and its track record advising on M&A deals across Europe and at every stage of company development across all corporate issues. The team is also a go-to practice for many companies in the tech, media & comms sectors, working with global businesses to fast-growth start-ups and market challengers.

Evolving and disruptive technologies are changing how businesses operate, compete and evolve, creating extraordinary, transformative opportunities. Osborne Clarke is at the forefront of advising on ground-breaking transformations. Visit our Digitalisation pages to find out more.

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