News Article

31st January 2014

GLOBAL TIE-UP A BOOST FOR DECOREX SA

Decorex SA is set to take its place on the international exhibition calendar next year, with a new ownership structure involving the world’s leading exhibition groups plus the launch of 100% Design South Africa.

New shareholder, FTSE-listed Reed Exhibitions owns the license of some of the most popular international décor and design exhibition brands globally, including 100% Design as well as Maison & Objet. In a move that will place Decorex SA at the forefront of South Africa’s décor and lifestyle exhibitions, 100% Design South Africa will be held at the same time and alongside Decorex Joburg in August next year and a launch pavilion will be included in Decorex Cape Town in April 2014.

South Africa will make its mark by offering one of the most exclusive design showcases when Johannesburg becomes the fourth city in the world to host the trend forward 100% Design exhibition from 6 – 10 August 2014.

Reed Exhibitions announced that it had signed a joint venture agreement to acquire a majority share in Thebe Exhibitions and Projects Group, the owners of Decorex SA, which will now be known as Thebe Reed Exhibitions. Thebe MD Carol Weaving remains in her post and she says that the group is delighted with the transaction.
“Not only will it give us access to some of the leading brands in the world, but will it will help us to grow the footprint of our group across the continent. Reed is the leading global player in the world of exhibitions and its credibility speaks for itself,” she said.

The world-renowned design exhibition, 100% Design is being staged in South Africa by Thebe Reed Exhibitions, under the Decorex SA portfolio. With the creative forces of Laurence Brick, Cathy O’Clery and Julian Gelb together with sponsor Dauphin HumanDesign® Group and media partner Conde Nast House & Garden magazine, 100% Design South Africa will showcase the very best residential, hospitality, office and product design that the country has to offer.

Over one hundred of the South Africa’s most on-trend designers are expected to showcase their work at the official 100% Design South Africa launch in August 2014 at Decorex Joburg.

Sian Steyn, General Manager of the Decorex SA Portfolio, says that while Decorex Joburg and 100%
Design South Africa will take place at the same time and under the same roof at Gallagher Convention Centre (a new hall is being opened specifically for the new show), the two shows will have distinct differences.
“Decorex SA has always offered our visitors the widest selection of décor, design and lifestyle furniture,appliances and accessories, as well as the latest in décor and design inspiration. The Decorex SA exhibitions are always a great day out and we have something for everyone wanting to make some changes or even build from scratch. 100% Design South Africa will add to the Decorex SA bouquet, with a visual feast and interactive, specially commissioned exhibits that will push the boundaries of creative
design.”

“We are delighted to be able to extend the offering of Decorex Cape Town and Joburg and we are certain that the number of local and international trade visitors will show a significant increase as a result of
100% Design South Africa joining us as a sister show.”Andrew Fowles, Regional President of Reed Exhibitions, said: “We are delighted to have forged this partnership with Thebe and look forward to working with the team. Their knowledge and experience will be a great asset to us. We are excited about re-entering the market in Africa and combining Thebe’s success in the region with Reed’s global brands and extensive sales network.”

For more information on Thebe Reed Exhibitions visit: http://www.thebereed.co.za