Messe Düsseldorf distributes 24 million euros

Dusseldorf

Most of them go to the city. Even though the big fairs were missing in 2017, the company's sales and profits were well above expectations. So far this year, business is going well so far.

Düsseldorf . The fair has now presented its final results of 2017 – it's proving better than expected. And most importantly, the shareholders benefit because they can expect a high dividend of 24 million euros. This was decided by the Supervisory Board and the General Meeting of Shareholders after the presentation of the final figures by the head of exhibition Werner Dornscheidt.

Subsequently, the turnover of Messe GmbH last year was 340 million euros, after tax a profit of 57 million euros remained in the register . That's about 13 percent more sales than expected. The city, by far the largest shareholder of the fair (owned directly at 56.5% and 20% through its subsidiary IDR), will receive more than 18 million euros.

Success is based primarily on home fairs

"With a return on sales of 15%, we are consolidating our position as the most profitable exhibition company with its own site in Europe" said Dornscheidt. However, 2017 was a rather weak show year, with sales in 2016 including major Drupa and K shows that even grew to 407 million euros. The success in 2017 was mainly based on events specific to Düsseldorf, which would have increased in terms of rented space as well as the number of exhibitors and visitors, according to Dornscheidt.

At the same time, the trade fair relies on its foreign affairs. After 44 events and participations in other countries in 2017, 66 are planned for the current year. With five new foreign trade fairs, the fair is now also going to Africa and the Middle East.

Returning home in 2018 – according to schedule – rather low year of the show, one expects a turnover of 272 million euros. Previous shows, however, were better than expected, said Dornscheidt.