Economy

Markets

Industries

Insights

Reports

Events

UBM eyes expansion in China

By Yu Hongyan (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-06-19 18:06

United Business Media (UBM), a British business information service provider, has seen an opportunity from the economic downturn and plans to expand its businesses in China.

The London-listed company will enroll more staff to cope with its expanding pace as the company seeks to cement its position in China's information service industry, said David Levin, CEO of UBM.

UBM has shifted its information service operation in China to the Web to ensure a timely, cost-effective and extensive delivery for receivers, the company's top management said.

Its news distribution arm, known as the PR Newswire Asia, is seen as its most fast growing business in China, as Chinese enterprises are trying to penetrate into foreign markets.

Related readings:  CMP Asia changes its name to UBM Asia  UBM, Bolognafiere buy stake in Guangzhou Beauty Fair  UBM's PR Newswire sets up newswire JV in China

"It's quite inspiring for us that China's enterprises have just started to reach out for the outside," said Levin. "It would mean an ample room for growth based on our expertise in this area."

Levin believes people's changing reading habits in the internet era will benefit the group's news distribution business.

PR Newswire Asia now has 450 clients in China and is able to send clients' press releases to 24,000 media in 170 countries in 40 languages, the company said.

Besides, UBM China also pin high hopes on its exhibition business, which covers industries such as shipping, architect, food and furniture.

The company said it served as organizer of such industry events as Marintec China, September Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair, All China Leather Exhibition and China International Furniture Expo. These shows drew 11,500 exhibitors from more than 60 countries and regions, as well as 530,000 visitors from more than 130 countries and regions, it said.

UBM has carried out on virtual trade shows in Europe and the US, which enables participants to communicate without geographic bound, and it plans to bring this experience to Chinese businessmen in the future.

After 25 years of operation in China, UBM's businesses here now range from news distribution, exhibition organizing, to services on medical information and electronic engineering information.