Bernexpo: They do something

"Bernexpo Groupe does not rule out the participation of other interested companies in Messepark Bern AG at a later date," says Franziska von Weissenfluh (pictured), Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bernexpo Groupe. "Thanks to the new shareholder structure, Bernexpo Groupe can fully focus on strengthening its core business and further developing its strategic thematic areas as planned," says Franziska von Weissenfluh, The Bernexpo site is owned by Messepark Bern AG and is one of the largest exhibition sites in Switzerland.

Public sector remains shareholder

The new shareholders are the three Bernese companies Mobiliar, Visana Beteiligungen, the Securitas Group and the real estate service provider HRS Real Estate. Together with Bernexpo Groupe, which remains a minority shareholder, they ensure the strengthening and further development of Berne as an economically important exhibition center.

The public sector (the Canton of Berne with 8.95 percent, the City of Berne with 3.16 percent, the Burgergemeinde with 3.71 percent and the three municipalities of Köniz with 2.84 percent, Ostermundigen with 1.89 percent and Muri with 1.61 percent) remains a shareholder of Messepark Bern with 22.16 percent.

Per economy

One of Messepark Bern AG's upcoming major projects is the replacement of the Festhalle, which was built as a temporary structure 67 years ago (photo). With the construction of the New Festhalle, Messepark Bern AG wants to close an important gap in the market. Currently, the capital city does not offer a venue for events, exhibitions or experiences with a capacity of up to 8,500 people.

Markus Wyss, Head of Real Estate at Mobiliar, emphasizes: "Our commitment is a commitment to the region. Bern needs the trade fair and exhibition halls. They enrich and complement the range of events in the city of Bern and strengthen its national and international appeal. This will benefit the entire region, the economy and tourism."

Confidence despite coronavirus pandemic 

The executive and parliament of the city and canton of Bern will make a decision on the approval of the credit in the fall. In spring 2021, the population of the City of Bern and the Grand Council of the Canton of Bern will each decide on contributions of CHF 15 million to the infrastructure costs of the New Festival Hall.

The effects of the coronavirus pandemic hit Bernexpo Groupe hard. Among other things, the BEA, one of the largest public events in Switzerland, had to be cancelled. "However, the company is on a sound economic footing and has the necessary professional tools to successfully master this difficult situation," says Franziska von Weissenfluh.