Profile of Info Communication

Info Communication: Company Background

Hong Kong-based Info Communication was founded in 1985. Through the company's five subsidiaries, including most notably Paper Communication Exhibition Services, it operates its primary businesses: organising exhibitions, publishing trade magazines and providing print and advertising design services. Info Communication also owns a 19.5% stake in Inforchain Digital Technology Company Ltd. which operates www.machinenet.com.tw , a website focused on machinery and components sourcing.

The other major shareholder of Inforchain is Chan Chao International Company Limited. Chan Chao, a Taiwan-based exhibition organiser, has played a significant role in the growth of Info Communication. Chan Chao has been Info Communication's appointed sales agent for Taiwan and South East Asia since 1992. Info Communication's 2001 prospectus listed Chan Chao as one of its five largest customers and key shareholders of Chan Chao were also small shareholders of Info Communication at the time of the its IPO in Hong Kong. The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding in 2001 agreeing to promote each other's exhibitions.

Info Communication's core business is organising exhibitions and their portfolio consists of more than 30 annual events. The company's events are focused on industrial equipment and components. Their exhibitions cover industries including machinery, plastics, packaging, textiles, footwear, auto parts and food processing. The company primarily organises events in Hong Kong and China; however, Info Communication does also host some exhibitions in Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia.

In 2001, the company was listed on Hong Kong's Growth Enterprise Market. The company is currently valued at approximately US$31 million. In 2007, Info Communication recorded revenues of US$10.2 million and a gross profit of US$3.86 million.

Ownership of Info Communication recently changed hands as founder, Eddie Leung Tin Fu sold his stake in the company. In November last year, Info Communication announced that "a key shareholder" (Leung) had sold its 55.58% stake to an individual investor, Ms. Zhang Ze Mei and US-based Linden Capital. The new investors paid US$6.86 million for the majority stake valuing the company at US$14.1 million.