The two companies have joined to create the Italian Exhibition Group, the largest trade show organizer in Italy

Italian trade show companies Fiera di Vicenza, which owns the VicenzaOra jewelry shows, and Rimini Fiera have merged to create the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG).

The merger comes following several months of talks and shareholder approvals from the two companies.

The IEG will be the largest trade show organizer in Italy with 61 shows and 160 other events. The names Rimini Fiera and Fiera di Vicenza will remain.

Lorenzo Cagnoni has been named president, and Matteo Marzotto is vice president.

Cagnoni said in a statement that the new company hopes to be listed on the stock exchange by spring 2018.

“While remaining deeply rooted within our territories of reference, where both trade show organizations have found the mainstay of their success, I can also see a company listing in the future of IEG,” he said.

As of Nov. 1, all shows will bear the logo of the Italian Exhibition Group.

JCK