News | December 28, 2016

Wedlake Bell advises Reed Exhibitions on the acquisition of Imbibe Media Limited

Wedlake Bell LLP advised Reed Exhibitions Limited on its acquisition of Imbibe Media Limited, the UK’s leading B2B media business for the on-trade drinks industry. The value of the transaction was not disclosed.

Imbibe Media Limited owns and runs Imbibe Live, the Imbibe media platform and the successful annual Sommelier Wine Awards. Following the hugely successful launch of Imbibe magazine in 2007, the ‘Imbibe Live’ event was launched in 2010 and quickly established itself as the UK’s leading B2B exhibition focused on the complete range of on-trade drinks – from spirits, wines, beers and ciders, to cocktails, tea, coffee, waters and other associated products. The 2016 edition was held on 4-5 July and played host to more than 250 exhibiting companies from across the on-trade industry, attracting almost 12,000 industry attendees from across the UK. Events such as Imbibe Live will further enhance Reed Exhibitions’ extensive range of events that already includes the German trade drinks event, Bar Convent Berlin.

The principal Wedlake Bell team comprised: Richard Belsey, Corporate Senior Associate; Adam Betts, IP & Commercial Senior Associate; Fiona Rushforth, Employment Senior Associate; and Mike Ridsdale, Tax Partner, together with lawyers from various teams around the firm, comprising a total transaction team of 11 lawyers. Corporate Partner and head of the Corporate team, Janice Wall is client partner for Reed Exhibitions.

Commenting on the transaction, Janice Wall said: “We are extremely pleased to have advised Reed Exhibitions on its exciting acquisition of Imbibe Media Limited. This was a complex deal that needed a diverse range of expertise and required a cross-team partnership between, in particular, our Corporate, IP & Commercial and Employment practices.  We wish Reed Exhibitions the best of luck in this new strategic venture and look forward to working with them in the future.”

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For further information contact:

Karen Mosley, Head of Marketing and Business Development, Wedlake Bell LLP
020 7395 3135
kmosley@wedlakebell.com
www.wedlakebell.com

Clementine Travis, Account Director, Byfield Consultancy:
020 7092 3991
clemmie@byfieldconsultancy.com
www.byfieldconsultancy.com