Family firm set fair to thrive after sale to Warners

Family business BP Fairs is moving into a new era after 46 years having been sold to Warners Group in a transaction advised by KBS Corporate.

BP Fairs was founded in 1980 and overseen by Barry Potter and fellow family members Marie, Simon, Ellis and Valentyna.

The company organises collectors’ toy fairs throughout the year at a variety of locations including racecourses, stadiums and conference centres.

A transaction led by Daniel DiMarco, KBS Corporate Deal Executive, resulted in BP Fairs being sold to Warners Group, an award-winning media and publishing company.

Warners runs major events throughout the country, with BP Fairs stating that “the professional and very friendly team at Warners are ideally placed to take the fairs forward”.

There are no plans to change the format of the fairs or important aspects such as the layout of the tables and established exhibitor positions, while the BP Fairs name will remain unchanged. Barry and his family will be working with Warners to ensure a smooth and seamless handover.

“Knowing the team at Warners, I can confidently say there is no-one better placed to take on our toy collectors’ fairs,” commented Ellis Potter.

“If anything, with their contacts, events team and knowledge of the collecting scene, I expect the toy fairs to become even more successful. The future for the fairs is very bright.”

Barry Potter added: “Running toy collectors’ fairs for more than 46 years has been a privilege and a joy for us all.

“Looking to the future, Warners are the perfect team to take things forward. With their experience of running events and their knowledge, the fairs will be in very safe hands and have great potential to reach an even wider audience.

“Most importantly, whether you attend as an exhibitor or a visitor, you can look forward to many more great fairs.”

Warners’ portfolio includes 28 live events each year, covering subjects such as railway modelling, tabletop gaming, dolls, genealogy and outdoor leisure.

KBS Corporate’s Daniel DiMarco was delighted to bring the transaction to a successful conclusion and commented: “I think there is a very strong match between the two companies and I’m confident Warners will be able to build on the legacy Barry and his family have created in BP Fairs.”