Fish Farming Expert owner buys 50% of Scandinavian Maritime Fair
Purchase expands company's interest in trade shows and in Denmark
Aquaculture, fishing, and maritime sector publisher Oceanspace Media has bought 50% of the Scandinavian Maritime Fair, which is held every other year in Copenhagen, Denmark, and focuses on the maritime industry and shipping in Scandinavia.
“The purchase of 50% in Scandinavian Maritime Fair is part of the investment in conferences and fairs,” said Oceanspace Media publisher and owner Gustav Erik Blaalid.
“We already own a small stake in Norwegian Aqkva AS, which in turn owns 50% of the HaveExpo fair. In addition, our media in Chile, led by Salmonexpert, have already organised the combined fair and conference ESA on two occasions, so this is a focus area Oceanspace Media is already established within.”
The new acquisition increases Bergen-based Oceanspace Media’s
stake in Denmark. Last year it bought two Danish magazines and websites,
Fiskerbladet and Maritime Direct.
This is a focus area Oceanspace Media is already established within
Oceanspace Media owner
Gustav Erik Blaalid
“Investment in Denmark, both on the media side and with the fair and the conference, is an exciting chapter for Oceanspace Media, and part of a long-term investment in Scandinavia,” said Blaalid.
A big player
Oceanspace Media is the largest media house in Norway for the marine and maritime cluster with established media such as Norsk Fiskeopdrett/kyst.no, Skipsrevyen, and Kystmagasinet in its portfolio. It also owns Scotland-based Fish Farming Expert website and magazine.
The company has bought its share of the Scandinavian Maritime Fair from René Wittendorff, who has operated in trade media with his father as far back as the 1950s.
“I have enjoyed working in the maritime industry, but there is a time for everything,” says the entrepreneur, who will soon turn 75.
“I am convinced that Scandinavian Maritime Fair has acquired an ownership that is right for the company and, not least, makes the company well equipped for the future.”
Strong conference
The other half of the Scandinavian Maritime Fair is owned by MCI, a company that organises events, conferences and trade fairs and provides services as technical organiser, equipment supplier, and consultancy. For the Scandinavian Maritime Fair this year, which runs from May 14-15, MCI has the main responsibility for the conference part of the fair, an event that has received a lot of good feedback for a relevant and good programme.
“I welcome Oceanspace Media and Gustav Erik as new co-owners of Scandinavian Maritime Fair,” said MCI owner, Per Ankær. He has extensive experience from this industry and has many assignments both in Denmark and internationally.
