UK organiser merges to form SAE Media Group

SAE International has confirmed the acquisition of SMi Group Ltd, a UK-based event organiser specialising in the production of global events for the aerospace, defence and medical and pharmaceutical sectors. As part of the acquisition, SAE International will merge SMi Group with Tech Briefs Media Group (TBMG) to form the SAE Media Group. David Schutt, CEO, SAE Group, noted that the acquisition “enhances SAE’s global position in the aerospace, defense and medical markets through SMi’s unique range of events and content.” Raman Venkatesh, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, SAE International, said: “As an organisation, we have historically expanded through a strategic M&A approach, so this move helps us achieve our global goals. “The formation of the new SAE Media Group directly supports the priorities and focus of the larger SAE organisation and helps us leverage our broad capabilities.” SMi Group delivers high-level events within its target industries, convening influential thought leaders with speakers to learn, engage and network on the topics most pressing to industry. TBMG, an existing SAE International company, offers a diverse set of print and electronic media resources that deliver unparalleled coverage of the design engineering market across multiple disciplines. “The formation of the singular SAE Media Group takes full advantage of the synergies of two unique properties,” added Joe Pramberger, who will now serve as the President of the SAE Media Group. “As the SAE Media Group integrates itself in the larger SAE organisation, we will continue to find opportunities to improve and further align our go-to-market strategies.” Dale Butler, Managing Director of SMi Group, said: “The expanded SAE Media Group will provide increased diversity of content and allow us to serve SMi Group’s customers and clients with new, innovative products and services, while maximising growth, synergies and scale opportunities across our combined international products. We are excited about the next chapter of our evolution as a leading producer of specialist business-to-business conferences and look forward to growing as part of the SAE Media Group.” The acquisition of SMi Group Ltd was approved and finalised by the SAE Board of Directors in January 2020. SMi Group was represented by Grimes, McGovern & Associates during the acquisition.