Messepark Bern on course, Republica goes independent
The Bernexpo Group has begun talks with potential investors regarding Messepark Bern. The overall project to strengthen the core business of the Bern-based live marketing company is on track. The Republica agency will be sold back to the management team led by Bala Trachsel.
In 2019, external experts analyzed Messepark Bern's infrastructure as part of a comprehensive due diligence review. In parallel, Bernexpo Groupe worked with HRS Real Estate to validate future usage concepts for the site and develop an appropriate participation structure for Messepark. "The overall project is on track. As planned, we are now holding initial talks with potential investors for Messepark Bern," says Franziska von Weissenfluh, Chairman of the Board of Bernexpo.
Focus on the core business
The generational project for a new multifunctional hall, which is supported by the city and canton of Bern, is intended to replace the Festhalle (Hall 4), which was built 67 years ago as a temporary structure and is at the end of its life cycle. "The project fulfills the central criteria for a contemporary infrastructure of the Bern Exhibition Center and thus for maintaining the attractiveness of the location," says Franziska von Weissenfluh.
The new building project is to be realized in partnership with new investors. Von Weissenfluh: "Bernexpo Groupe wants to increase its focus on the further development of its core business so that it can remain a leading live marketing company in Switzerland and continue to successfully shape the exhibition and event industry."
Stable Bernexpo Groupe
The Bernexpo site is one of the largest exhibition centers in Switzerland: Eight exhibition halls in two building complexes combine around 40,000 square meters of event space as well as 100,000 square meters of outdoor area. Bernexpo Groupe employs a team of around 140 people. With a gross value added of around 260 million Swiss francs, it is an important economic driver for the city and region of Berne, with an impact throughout Switzerland. The stability of Bernexpo Groupe is rewarded on the secondary stock exchange with a share price of 467 francs compared to 450 at the beginning of 2019 (+3.64%).
Adrian Erni, PR Manager of Republica, with Bala Trachsel, CEO of Republica.
Republica independent again
At the same time, Republica will become an independent owner-managed agency again as of January 1, 2020. Bala Trachsel, CEO of Republica, together with the management will take over 100 percent of the shares currently held by Bernexpo Holding. Republica became part of Bernexpo Groupe at the beginning of 2016 to complement the then traditionally focused trade fair operations with its core competencies in strategic marketing, branding and live communications.
Bernexpo Groupe has naturally been an important client of the advertising agency since the acquisition of Republica in 2016. But Republica is more than Bernexpo. Republica has grown significantly over the last few years and wants to become Develop into a content and campaigning agency with digital expertise. "Republica will be able to do this more efficiently and more freely as an independent agency. However, it will remain our communications agency and will continue to handle the mandates in the future," says Jennifer Somm, CEO of Bernexpo Groupe.
Republica employs 35 people. The purchase price was not disclosed. The lobbying firm Furrerhugi is taking a stake in Republica. Furrerhugi is one of the leading lobbying agencies in the Federal Parliament. Republica's clients include SC Bern and Expo Event Swiss LiveCom Association.
