Skelmersdale, Lancashire-based group Grafit, which also includes large-format print company Envision Media, said its success within the events industry alongside a rapid growth strategy had enabled it to explore the options of acquisition to strengthen its offerings across multiple markets.
It considered the exhibition industry to be a key area of growth and opportunity, and JNM Exhibitions was therefore viewed by the business as “a smart and strategic investment”.
The deal was completed on 1 November 2024 and will see JNM’s name remain for now.
Based in Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, JNM Exhibitions works across multiple industries and specialises in exhibition and pavilion design and build, shell scheme hire, and visitor centre fit out.
JNM managing director Alison Bainbridge, and Paul Scott, who headed up operations, are stepping back from the business following the sale to Grafit.
The group told Printweek that JNM’s other staff will be retained and will continue to be based out of Boroughbridge, taking Grafit’s total group headcount up to 30, with turnover up to around £4.5m.
As JNM does not have print production capability, Grafit will call on its internal capability to deliver JNM’s requirements for fabrics and graphics.
Bainbridge said: “It feels like the right time for myself and Scotty (Paul Scott) to step back from the exhibition world and retire after over 30 incredible years, but it was a decision we didn’t want to take without finding the right team to pass the JNM baton to.
“I’m delighted and confident to say that we found the right people at Grafit, a highly experienced innovative display company that specialises in tension fabric structures. Their creative and dynamic team can help grow JNM and take the business forward to another level.”
Bainbridge and Scott will continue their roles during a handover period of six to 12 months before retiring, to ensure seamless migration of both companies for the staff and customers.
Grafit Display Hire, which was founded In 2017, offers a “sustainable, cost-effective and hassle-free” tension fabric hire service with a wide range of products, including press walls, lightboxes, exhibition stands, stage backdrops, and 3D structures.
Grafit director Andy Phillips also commented: “Originally we started Grafit to service the events industry, due to the versatility of our product range we naturally started to pick up exhibition enquiries which allowed us to adapt our offering.
“Exhibitions is a key growth area for us, so by acquiring JNM it not only strengthens our offering but we inherit an amazing staff pool with great industry knowledge and the ability to service international enquiries with ease.”
Grafit said it continued to look at further acquisitions to assist with rapid growth plans across multiple sectors.
