Malaysia-based Catcha Digital Berhad announced Thursday that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Catcha Connect Sdn Bhd has entered into a conditional share sale agreement to acquire a 60% equity interest in One International Exhibition Sdn Bhd, an exhibition and trade show organizer in the agricultural and construction industries in Malaysia for a cash consideration of MYR 11.38 million ($2.7 million).

Catcha Digital said in a statement that the acquisition price is implying a weighted-average forward price-to-earnings multiple of 4.92 times.

The cash consideration is payable in 3 tranches across 24 months and is tied to the achievement of the expected profit after tax and minority interest (expected profit after tax and minority interest [PATAMI]) over the period of 24 months after completion of the sale and purchase of shares, broken down into expected PATAMI of MYR 2.75 million ($650,000) and MYR 3.16 million ($750,000) for the period of 12 months after completion date, and the period from the 13th to 24th month after completion date, respectively.

This transaction is expected to contribute positively to Catcha Digital’s earnings per share.

This acquisition also marks a strategic entry for Catcha Digital into the trade exhibition industry, providing immediate access to a resilient, high-margin sector anchored by established intellectual properties and proven operational capabilities.

In turn, One International stands to benefit from Catcha Digital’s network, digital expertise, and strategic guidance, as well as potential corporate development support in areas such as add-on acquisitions, capital raising, and strategic partnerships, to scale its operations and unlock new growth avenues.

Together, the complementary strengths of both companies are expected to drive long-term value and sustainable expansion.

“The team has built an exceptional business with category-leading events that are essential to the agriculture and construction industries,

“We are impressed by their deep industry experience and consistent track record of growth,” said Patrick Grove, Chairman of Catcha Digital.

According to him, this acquisition marks a strategic expansion for Catcha Digital into the growing trade exhibitions space, which focuses on connecting businesses with businesses (B2B), in addition to the firm’s current portfolio of digital media advertising solutions, which focuses on connecting businesses with end consumers (B2C).

“We look forward to supporting the team as they scale their impact across Malaysia and beyond,” he added.

One International owns and organizes Agri Malaysia, Malaysia’s largest business to business (B2B) agriculture technology exhibition, serving as a key platform for agriculture manufacturers, international brands, growers, plantation owners, importers, exporters, traders, and distributors from across the ASEAN region.

The annual event highlights cutting-edge technologies in smart farming, crop protection, irrigation systems, agri-machinery, and post-harvest solutions, driving innovation, mechanization, and sustainability across the agri-food value chain.

Agri Malaysia 2024, endorsed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM) and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), attracted over 400 exhibitors from 11 countries and welcomed more than 12,000 visitors from 35 nations, reinforcing its role as a key marketplace and knowledge-sharing hub for the region’s evolving agri-sector.

As a 49 percent joint venture partner in MBAM OneBuild Sdn Bhd with the Master Builders Association Malaysia, One International also organizes MBAM OneBuild, a premier construction and infrastructure exhibition.

MBAM OneBuild 2024 attracted over 200 exhibitors from 11 countries and welcomed more than 7,000 trade buyers from over 21 nations.

“Partnering with Catcha Digital marks an exciting new chapter for us as we continue to expand our efforts to build and scale premier exhibitions to connect industry stakeholders and drive business growth in various sectors,

“Their expertise in digital media and extensive network will be invaluable as we continue to enhance our events and deliver greater value to our exhibitors and attendees. We look forward to leveraging this synergy to accelerate our growth and solidify our leadership in the market,” said Roger Lim, Managing Director of One International.

According to the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), business events in Malaysia are projected to attract 5.9 million delegates by 2030, generating an estimated MYR 42.12 billion ($9.98 billion) in economic impact and creating over 25,000 jobs, underscoring the industry’s growing importance as a catalyst for national development.

Including the proposed acquisition of One International, Catcha Digital has announced 7 strategic acquisitions in the last nine months, each positioned to strengthen its foothold in the digital economy and contribute positively to future earnings.

The aggregate expected profit to be achieved by each target company is approximately MYR 23.9 million ($5.66 million), based on their respective 12-month post-completion periods or FYE 31 December 2025 where applicable.

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