Quick takes

Arc acquires Incisive

It seems that the much-anticipated post-pandemic M&A boom may have begun. UK-based Arc, which is led by Simon Foster, announced that it has acquired Incisive Media. The deal includes titles such as Investment Week, Professional Pensions, Professional Adviser, Cover, International Investment, Financial Services Forum and BusinessGreen.

UFI Asia Week wraps up

Last week, UFI held its inaugural UFI Asia-Pacific Week in place of the regular annual UFI Asia-Pacific Conference. This initiative allowed members, as well as the wider community, to gather face-to-face despite travel and gathering restrictions. Member-led activities were held in ten markets across the region – including Tokyo, Sydney, Singapore, Bangkok and Seoul.

COEX appoints new CEO, head of AKEI

In Seoul, the COEX venues announced the appointment of Dong-ki Lee as its new President and CEO. Lee was previously head of Korea International Trade Association’s Innovation Growth Division. He will also take leadership of the Association of Korean Exhibition Industry (AKEI).

US leads urge Biden to drop all COVID restrictions

The US is essentially open for business now, but the CEOs of US airlines as well as airline lobbying groups are urging the Biden administration to drop remaining COVID travel restrictions including testing and masking.