As part of Excel’s ongoing investment in the UK MICE industry, the acquisition ensures a long-term commitment to one of London’s most historic and popular MICE venues.
Originally the Royal Agricultural Hall dating back to 1862, BDC, a Grade II listed venue now spans a 4.5-acre freehold estate and hosts a wide array of leading events, awards and product launches, as well as long-standing shows such as the London Art Fair, HIX and the Surface Design Show. With over 130 events and more than 900,000 visitors a year, the North London venue is a multiple award winner and the current Exhibition News Venue of the Year. In addition to its 6,000 sqm of dedicated event and conference space, BDC also provides over 12,500 sqm of high-quality, let-able space for showrooms, offices and serviced offices. The estate also includes the freehold title to the Hilton Hotel land located in Islington, London.
The acquisition of the Business Design Centre represents an important milestone in Modon Holding and ADNEC’s long-term growth strategy, adding a prestigious asset in the heart of London, one of the world’s premier event destinations. This move highlights Modon Holding and ADNEC’s commitment to investing in and supporting the growth of the global events industry. With its strong reputation and long-term heritage, BDC will provide ADNEC and Excel with an ideal platform to enhance its presence in this sector.
The BDC will become part of ADNEC’s multi-award-winning venue portfolio, marking it as the fourth venue under the Group’s umbrella, which includes ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, ADNEC Centre Al Ain and Excel London as renowned global hubs for high-profile MICE events. In addition to adding to ADNEC’s asset base.
“We will continue to invest significantly to ensure both Excel and BDC offer the highest-quality platforms for the events industry.”
Since ADNEC’s acquisition of Excel in 2008, the venue has continued to expand, operating c.125,000 sqm of MICE space and becoming London’s first International Convention Centre in 2010. With the most recent expansion of 25,000 sqm, Excel has become the largest integrated conference and exhibition venue in Europe. Excel also houses Immerse LDN, the UK’s largest immersive entertainment district, which opened recently.
Jeremy Rees, CEO of Excel, said: “Since acquiring Excel more than 15 years ago, ADNEC has demonstrated unwavering support for London’s event and business tourism industry. We look forward to integrating BDC into the ADNEC ecosystem and will continue to invest significantly to ensure both Excel and BDC offer the highest-quality platforms for the events industry, reinforcing London’s status as a leading global events destination.”
Jack Morris CBE, who is retiring as Chairman of Business Design Centre added: “Selling the Business Design Centre, the Morris Family’s flagship business which was founded by my visionary father Sam Morris 40 years ago, was never going to be an easy, emotional decision. But it’s the right time. ADNEC have a long-standing and recognised history of building, owning and managing venues and I wish them every success in taking the BDC forward.”
