The Montgomery Group has announced the acquisition of AidEx, a leading international event for professionals in aid and development, from Centaur Media.

AidEx provides a platform for the international aid and development community to come together to meet, source, supply and learn with the aim of improving aid delivery.

Montgomery has a special interest in aid and development and an especially strong affinity with AidEx. As a global business with multiple offices in Africa, India and other developing regions of the world; Montgomery are excited about introducing the AidEx events to markets where they already have extensive experience.

After four successful years running AidEx, Centaur is restructuring the business around core markets and, given the special interest shown by Montgomery, has sold AidEx to the company. Andrew Evans, Managing Director of Centaur Media, explained: “During the past four years, AidEx has earned considerable credibility and support from the sector. Operating an event like AidEx has been of immense personal pride and a tremendous achievement. I would like to thank all those involved for their continued hard work and dedication. I am confident that AidEx is going to a good home and that it will benefit strongly from Montgomery’s interest in the sector and established connections in the developing world.”

Damion Angus, Managing Director, Montgomery said: “We are delighted to be able to bring Aidex into the Montgomery fold. Montgomery has a strong ethical commitment which runs to the heart of the business. Fresh Montgomery was the first UK exhibition organiser to be awarded ISO20121 which sets the standards for events that are environmentally friendly, ethically sound and of benefit to the economy. Aidex will be a strong addition to the Montgomery portfolio and fits well with our overall company ethos. We are delighted to be working with Nicholas Rutherford and I am sure he will be a valuable addition to Montgomery.”

Nicholas Rutherford, Event Director of AidEx, worked in partnership with Centaur to launch the event five years ago. Nicholas commented: “I am especially grateful to Centaur for providing the resources to run this important event. AidEx plays an important role in providing an international platform for peace-related products and a useful antidote to the current proliferation of defence-related exhibitions around the world.”

AidEx has become the world’s annual focus for the aid and development community. People come to network, to improve understanding, drive innovation and ultimately save lives. Each year AidEx follows a particular theme to reflect what is of specific interest to the community and help plan the future of aid. In 2014 the focus was ‘Innovation’ and speakers included: Jonathan Wong, Head of the Innovation Hub at UK aid agency DFID and Jens Wandel , Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations Development Programme.

In 2014 the exhibition attracted over 200 exhibitors who were a mix of organisations including the EU, Red Cross, UN and Oxfam, as well as many different companies offering a range of products from 4x4 vehicles to medical supplies, shelter products, logistics, short-wave radios and satellite communications.

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