"Clear benefits": Yorkshire events management agency acquired by US firm in 'exciting' move
A Wakefield event management agency has been acquired by US firm ITA Group in what has been described as an “exciting” move for the Yorkshire company.
C2events, which specialises in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, employs 40 people from its base in West Yorkshire.
The firm has been acquired by ITA Group, which is headquartered in Des Moines in Iowa, employs 1,200 people worldwide and supports clients in more than 120 countries, including from its existing UK offices in London and Ipswich.
Mark Saxby, Executive Director, of C2events, said: “Four of our five largest clients are US-based, and we’ve always aspired to have an operation in the US.
"When ITA approached us, the benefits were clear.
"This partnership allows us to enhance our services and accelerate growth while maintaining our culture and commitment to clients.
“ITA Group’s commitment to innovation and employee ownership aligns perfectly with our culture and vision for the future.
“Together, with our incredible teams, we can deliver a broader range of services to our healthcare and pharmaceutical clients across Europe and beyond.”
He added: “This is a coming together of two ambitious businesses with a shared appetite for growth.
"Being part of ITA Group gives us a platform to fast-track that growth and create exciting career opportunities for our people.”
Brent Vander Waal, CEO, ITA Group, said: “C2events is an exceptional organisation that shares our commitment to service excellence and ownership culture. Together, we’ll provide clients across Europe with direct, in-region support and best-in-class solutions.”
Sarah Haines, President of Event Solutions for ITA Group, added: “This acquisition represents a natural evolution in our growth strategy and our commitment to serving clients wherever they do business.
"With over 400 team members now dedicated to event solutions across multiple continents, we can inspire and motivate audiences in Europe and around the world through exceptional, locally managed experiences.”
The deal follows ITA Group’s acquisition of London-based NKD in 2022 and HTK in Ipswich in 2023. It also purchased Sydney-based Performance Incentives last year.
Most recently, ITA Group completed its acquisition of C2events alongside the purchase of another European business – Daymakers, a live and digital event experiences specialist based in Utrecht, Netherlands.
A spokesperson said: “ITA Group now has offices in the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, and maintains strategic partnerships in Belgium and Singapore.”