United Business Media acquires Informex show from SOCMA.

In related news, United Business Media (London), the parent of CMP Media, has acquired Informex, a specialty and custom chemicals trade show and exhibition, from the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association (SOCMA; Washington, D.C.) for $24 million in cash. CMP said the purchase builds upon its chemicals and pharmaceuticals ingredients operations in Europe and Asia through its CMP Information division and makes CMP "the world leader in chemicals industry events."

CMP Information ceo Bernard Gray said the acquired show is "the eluding broad fine chemicals show in the US and is a 'must attend' event in the industry. The acquisition qill extend CMP Information's chemical business into North America providing a strong US platform for growth. CMP Information will also be able to serve its customers better by expanding Informex's broader chemical market presence into Europe and Asia, where CMP Information has a market-leading position in chemical and pharmaceutical ingredients events."

Now in its 22nd year, the acquired show has almost 480 exhibitor companies and attracts thousands of chemical professionals as attendees. The show that was to have been held in New Orleans in February 2006 will be moved to a new venue.