Bologna Fiere: profit down in the first half of the year, but revenue up by 4 per cent

Revenue up but profit down for Bologna Fiere in the first half of the year. The board of directors of the company (listed on the Euronext Growth Milan segment of Borsa Italiana) has approved the financial report for the first six months of 2026, during which the Bologna Fiere Group achieved a turnover of €200.8 million, up 4 per cent compared with the same period in 2025, despite a less favourable trade fair calendar. The 2025 half-year results had, in fact, benefited from “the staging of major biennial events, including Zoomark International and Autopromotec, which are not featured in this year’s calendar”, explains a statement issued by the company.

Growth was driven in particular by the Stands & Architecture division, which recorded revenue from third parties of 76.8 million euros, an increase of 9.8 million compared with the first half of 2025 (+14.6 per cent). Revenue from the Exhibition Organisation stood at €96.6 million, accounting for 48 per cent of the total, whilst Venue Management remained broadly stable, with revenue of €27.4 million.

The different composition of the events portfolio and the greater contribution from stand fit-out activities – which have different profit margins compared to trade fair organisation – have affected the operating results, the company explains: . EBITDA stood at €40 million, down from €51 million in the first half of 2025, whilst EBIT was €28.1 million, compared with €40.8 million last year. Consolidated net profit was down to 19.3 million, a 25 per cent decrease compared with 37.6 million and 25.9 million in the first half of 2025.

“The results confirm our ability to grow by leveraging an increasingly integrated and diversified business model,” comments Antonio Bruzzone, the group’s chief executive. “The rise in revenue and the strong growth in the Stand Construction & Architecture division demonstrate the soundness of the path we have taken. We are simultaneously pursuing significant investments in the Bologna exhibition centre, growth through external acquisitions and a further strengthening of our international presence.” For Chairman Gianpiero Calzolari, “these results allow us to look forward with confidence to the next phase of development. The aim is to consolidate the group’s role as a major international platform capable of fostering relationships, generating business opportunities and enhancing the region’s appeal’. The transformation of the Bologna exhibition centre also forms part of this vision, as it increasingly opens its doors not only to trade fairs and conferences but also to major sporting and entertainment events. ‘We are building an infrastructure and a range of services capable of competing with the leading European venues and of further strengthening Bologna’s position as an international destination for events, businesses and people.’