BACTA, the UK trade association for the pay to play amusement industry, today confirmed that Clarion Events, a UK based organiser of trade and consumer exhibitions has acquired a controlling investment in ATE, BACTA‘s commercial exhibition, conference, publishing and services subsidiary.

BACTA announced the transaction would enable the association to focus on the future security and success of its members and the amusement industry at a time of great uncertainty in the run up to and post the Gambling Act.

In a statement issued today, Colin Daniels, President said, „We are pleased to conclude this transaction which we believe will be good for BACTA, securing the future of the association and good for ATE, giving it the opportunity to do bigger and better things for the industry. We are especially pleased to have found in Clarion a young and dynamic company which shares ATE‘s values and will continue the strong working partnership that BACTA and ATE have always shared.“

Simon Kimble, Managing Director of Clarion Events was delighted with the acquisition of ATE. “We are delighted to have secured what is a fantastic company with great products in an exciting market.

„Under BACTA‘s ownership ATE has become a world leader in the amusement, gaming and betting industries and we believe that together we can benefit from each others range of skills and experiences.“

„ATE has a great team of people who have won success by knowing their industries and working with them. That is exactly what Clarion looks for and we want to help and support it in any way we can. I am really looking forward to meeting more people myself and offering any help and support that I can.“

For further information contact:
Keith Smith
Chief Executive
BACTA
211 Kings Cross Road
London WC1X 9DN
UK
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7713 7144
email: keiths@bacta.org.uk