Belgium-based Creaplan Group is taking another major step in its European expansion strategy with the acquisition of Whitespace Group, the UK market leader in premium modular exhibition stand design and build.
Following an in-depth shareholder re-structure earlier this year, Creaplan aims to further expand across Europe and the UK, so this acquisition is a pivotal development in the company’s strategy to extend its reach and capabilities. Whitespace Group’s three core brands, Skyline Whitespace (exhibition stand design and build), Whitespace XPO (full-service organizer contractor), and WhiteboxGo (portable display stands), will now be added to the Creaplan Group of companies.
Mary Cole, CEO of Whitespace Group said, “This represents an exciting new chapter for the company. We have a long-standing connection, shared ethos and admiration for Creaplan grounded in a decade-long relationship through Aluvision, which was established by Creaplan founders Ann Vancoille and Dirk Deleu.
“The fresh ownership perspectives will bring even more innovation and creativity to our clients, enabling us to tap into a broader network of resources and expertise, as well as the provision of regional experiential marketing services across Europe.
“Together, we will be able to expand our footprint, leverage shared expertise, and elevate our design capabilities to meet the growing demand for impactful brand experiences.”
Over the past five years, Creaplan has seen substantial growth both organically and through acquisitions. Whitespace Group, headquartered in London, has built a strong global reputation for creative design and a customer-centric approach. With shared vision and values, the acquisition works perfectly within Creaplan CEO Michael Debaveye’s strategy:
“The United Kingdom, with London as the hub, is an exciting market. The UK capital is home to a particularly large number of multinationals. London is also an important gateway for us to the US through the Skyline Whitespace’s established US client base and experience.
“In addition, Brexit makes it increasingly difficult to link UK logistics to the European mainland. In our industry, we cannot afford materials to ‘hang around’ for a few days on either side of the channel.
We can now solve this with our hubs within the group.
“Like us, they operate as stand builders in the premium segment with A-brands such as Moody’s, Capgemini, Hilton and Bayer. We both profile as high end in all areas: in design, technology, finishing, timing and support.”
Whitespace Group also excels in sustainability, from optimal use of recyclable materials to 100% renewable energy in production. The company is renowned for promoting reusable and cost- effective solutions, with Aluvision as the core product, something that Group COO Vincent Lievens recognises: “In that area, they definitely bring extra know-how to the group. They have also won several awards for their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts, including recently Employer of the Year in South-West London and Best Supplier to Exhibitors at the Exhibition News Awards for the past two years. This is a company with a spotless reputation that has been passionately run by Mary Cole (CEO), David Wilson (managing director), and Adam King (design director).”
Sights set on Southern Europe
Creaplan Group now operates 20% in the Benelux and 80% in the rest of Europe. “We want to expand further on the European scene and are now looking towards Southern Europe – particularly Barcelona, Milan and Munich. In time, we want to cover experiential marketing across the whole of Europe and provide regional service to all clients,” said chairman of the Board of Directors Walter Mastelinck.
