Global events group Fortem International, which has its UK headquarters in Bristol, has sold five rural and leisure trade shows in a deal handled by the city office of national law firm Clarke Willmott.
The portfolio, which includes Farm Business Innovation, Family Attraction Expo, Country House Business Innovation, Leisure Food & Beverage Expo, and Holiday Park and Resort Innovation, connects UK farmers and landowners who are seeking alternative sources of income. 
The acquisition by Preston-based Arc, backed by investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, will add additional depth and reach to its Agriconnect business, one of the UK’s largest agricultural information and events platforms.
Farm Business Innovation, pictured, is designed to provide expertise, advice and resources to innovate, diversify and make more money from land such as introducing glamping, looking into alternative crops or livestock, starting a spa, running events, weddings, farm shops, or revitalising rural retail.
Holiday Park & Resort Innovation provides expert advice and ideas for holiday park owners looking to grow, develop or improve their business, while Family Attraction Expo offers visitors entertainment products and services to transform their commercial leisure or holiday parks.
Two-day Country House Business Innovation gives estate, manor or country house owners access to information and advice on funding, grants, planning and new products and services through networking and inspiring keynote sessions.
Leisure Food & Beverage Expo is the UK’s leading event for leisure, tourism, sports and entertainment venues to find products and services that can enhance their on-site customer offering. 
Clarke Willmott’s Bristol-based corporate team acted for Fortem International on its 2019 sale of a portfolio of healthcare environmental and marketing technology shows to Bristol-based events group Roar Techmedia in a deal backed by specialist investor Apiary Capital.
Clarke Willmott corporate finance partner Simon Smith, pictured, who led on the latest deal, said: “We were delighted to advise Fortem International once again on a significant transaction in the events sector.”
Fortem International CEO Tom Borthen added: “We are pleased to be entering into a partnership with the Arc team, and are excited for the growth potential of the rural and leisure portfolio as it becomes part of Agriconnect and Arc.
“Once again, Simon Smith at Clarke Willmott stepped in to act with the necessary speed and shrewd solutions to meet a tight deadline with aplomb. Overall, we are delighted with Clarke Willmott’s contribution.”
The acquisition is Arc’s second as it continues to develop its position as a next generation events and media platform for B2B communities around the world.
Las Vegas-headquartered Fortem International consists of four rapidly expanding international businesses that collaborate with one another to create world-leading, award- winning trade shows.
Its Bristol office has worked with brands ranging from the city’s Boston Tea Party cafe chain to Iceland, Costa Coffee, Lego and Lloyds bank.
Clarke Willmott also has offices in Birmingham, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton.
