EPHJ-EPMT-SMT Trade Fair strengthens its shareholder base and joins forces with Palexpo SA, Geneva

Geneva, 30 October 2013 – Following 12 years of continuous growth and a highly successful 2013 edition, featuring 755 exhibitors and more than 18’000 visitors, cofounders André Colard and Olivier Saenger have decided to cede a portion of their shares to a new pool of shareholders. "We want to enshrine the success of the EPHJEPMT- SMT Trade Fair over the long term,” explains Olivier Saenger. “We therefore took the decision to strengthen our shareholder base and consolidate our organization."

In order to achieve these two objectives, André Colard and Olivier Saenger have sold a portion of their shares while retaining one third of the equity of the new structure. The organization of the event will now be entrusted to Palexpo SA. "Palexpo was an obvious choice for us, since we have been partnering with this team of professionals in building up the success of our Trade Fair in Geneva over the past two years,” underlines André Colard. “We will, of course, continue to work closely with the organizers to ensure a smooth transition and guarantee the continuity of our Trade Fair, true to the spirit and principles which made its success."

Palexpo SA will progressively take over the reins beginning 1 November. "The EPHJEPMT- SMT Trade Fair is the most important annual professional trade fair in Switzerland," says Robert Hensler, Chairman of the Board of Palexpo SA. "Its success is undeniable, and it has made a major contribution to the growth and visibility of a sector that plays such a pivotal role in driving the dynamism of our industry. These factors inspired us to become involved on an economic and operational level in this event. Palexpo will ensure that all its teams’ experience is employed to continually improve the EPHJ-EPMT-SMT Trade Fair while preserving the principles and values that have been intrinsic to its reputation and success.”

"We are delighted by this agreement between Palexpo and the EPHJ-EPMT-SMT Trade Fair, which meshes perfectly with the tradition of Geneva watchmaking and anchors this sector of the industry in our canton,” adds Isabel Rochat, State Councillor in charge of Palexpo.

For 12 years the EPHJ-EPMT-SMT Trade Fair has built on its success by respecting its founding idea: "We wanted to create a trade fair that meets the needs of providers and subcontractors in the watchmaking industry,” summarizes André Colard, "while respecting the spirit of this sector, which places priority on efficiency and a job well done over glitz and glamour. All of our exhibitors can rest assured that the Trade Fair will respect its history and principles. It is simply acquiring the means to safeguard its viability over the long term with top-quality partners. It is excellent news for everyone involved.”

The next edition of the EPHJ-EPMT-SMT Trade Fair will be held from 17 to 20 June 2014.

With three quarters of reservations already finalized, it once again promises to be an outstanding event.

André Colard - Olivier Saenger