Rapid News Publications Ltd and VNU Exhibitions Asia Announce Joint Venture to Expand TCT +Personalize Event Across Asia

Shanghai, PR China, and Chester, UK, January 26th 2016 – Following a hugely successful debut edition of TCT + Personalize Asia in March 2015 the joint organisers of the event, Rapid News Publications Ltd (Rapid News) and VNU Exhibitions Asia (VNU) are today announcing the formation of a joint venture company that will combine their networks, processes and skills to further expand the Rapid News additive manufacturing (AM), 3D printing and 3D technology event and media portfolio to a pan-Asian audience.

The timing of the joint venture is highly favourable, following the Chinese government’s National 3D Printing Industry Development Promotion Plan released in February 2015 which, coupled with significant government funding in academic institutions, science and research centers, as well as within manufacturing companies, sets in place a strong framework for future development and adoption of AM and 3D printing within China.

Through its TCT + Personalize portfolio Rapid News has been at the forefront of the 3D printing, additive manufacturing and product development movement for more than twenty years. This unprecedented heritage means that the company is perfectly placed to lead the education process as users across Asia identify the business benefits of adopting the latest 3D technologies.

The joint venture company will operate under the name VNU Rapid News Co. Ltd and will be based in Shanghai. The company will capitalize on VNU’s strong reputation for organizing world-class exhibitions in the region while Rapid News will bring its two decades of technology expertise, networks, global market knowledge and experience.

Duncan Wood, COO of Rapid News Publications Ltd and Chairman of the new JV said, “This is a strategically important and exciting move for Rapid News Publications Ltd and TCT. The formation of a joint venture company with VNU significantly strengthens our presence in the region, and increases our stake in the additive manufacturing, 3D printing and 3D technology sector globally. TCT + Personalize is the global market’s most influential portfolio and we are delighted to be working with VNU. We are absolutely thrilled with the partnership and the exciting opportunities that it brings.”

David Zhong, CEO, VNU Exhibitions Asia commented, “This is a milestone partnership for VNU Exhibitions Asia. With our 20 years of knowledge and experience in the China market, we have developed a series of world-class exhibition brands, whilst exploring new business opportunities in emerging industries together with our international partners. We are proud of our co-operation with Rapid News Publications Ltd to develop the TCT+ Personalize portfolio in the China and Asia market.”