Further consolidation and global expansion in the multibillion-dollar fan convention industry is evidenced by the acquisition this week by ReedPOP of UK-based MCM Comic Con.
The Connecticut-based division of Reed Exhibitions, which organises pop culture events including New York Comic Con, Oz Comic Con and Shanghai Comic Convention, did not disclose the terms of the acquisition, although industry insiders have speculated the deal could be worth in excess of £17.5m (US$23m).
ReedPOP stated the deal would take effect immediately and anticipated having an active role in MCM’s 2018 events.
MCM runs conventions in Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Liverpool and Belfast in addition to its flagship show in London.
MCM Comic Con, co-founded by Bryan Cooney, launched pop culture event London Expo in 2002. In 2004 it rebranded as London MCM Expo and the portfolio has since grown and the conventions attract over 300,000 visitors.
“For nearly a decade I’ve watched with great admiration as the MCM brand grew in size, scale and quality, as well as in the hearts and minds of UK fans,” said Lance Fensterman, global head of ReedPOP. “I could not be more proud and humbled to team up with the MCM team to bring two world-class pop culture event companies together.”
