MCH Group is growing, with Art Basel remaining the driving force
The Swiss group is expanding its scope to include new markets, events and formats. In the first half of 2026, revenue rose by 12 per cent and EBITDA by 81 per cent
MCH Group is taking things to a new level. The Swiss group, owner of the Art Basel, is continuing to expand its scope beyond the art fair business, focusing on new geographical markets, major international events and live marketing services. This diversification strategy is reflected in the first-half 2026 results not only in revenue growth but also in profitability: as at 30 June, operating revenue rose to 248.8 million Swiss francs, 12 per cent higher than the 222.4 million recorded in the same period of 2025, whilst EBITDA rose by 81 per cent to 34.3 million Swiss francs. Net profit rose from 5.3 to 18.6 million.
Higher revenue, but above all higher margins
The half-year’s performance was driven in part by the calendar effect, with the debut of Art Basel Qatar (the next edition runs from 28 to 30 January 2027) and the presence of major events such as CONEXPO in Las Vegas and Swissbau in Basel. However, the growth in profitability – which is outpacing that of revenue – also reflects the evolution of the business model. Art Basel remains the group’s key international asset, whilst MCH is gradually expanding its activities and markets. Following events in Doha, Qatar, Hong Kong and Basel in the first half of the year, the calendar continues with Art Basel Paris, scheduled to take place at the Grand Palais from 23 to 25 October. The fifth edition will bring together 211 galleries from 41 countries and territories, confirming the platform’s ongoing geographical expansion. In June, the group announced the acquisition of a 20 per cent stake in Jupiter Festival Miami, marking a more direct entry into the North American entertainment and live experiences market. Furthermore, preparations are under way for the Futurific Institute, the first edition of which is scheduled to take place in Basel in 2028.
The strategy also involves the creation of new platforms: in the first half of the year, MCH launched, together with Bits & Pretzels, the health.tech | global summit, which brought together around 6,000 international participants at its inaugural edition. On the art front, Zero 10, the initiative dedicated to artistic practices in the digital age, made its European debut, following events in Miami Beach and Hong Kong. 2027 will also see the launch of the Basilia Jewellery & Watch Fair, a new B2B trade fair for jewellery, gemstones and watches developed in partnership with Informa Markets, with over 400 exhibitors expected for its inaugural edition.
The downside of diversification
The expansion of the business scope offers new opportunities for growth, but also increases exposure to international risks. The crisis in the Middle East has had a direct impact on MCH Global, with some clients cancelling all live events since the beginning of March. Operations have gradually resumed and the group expects a return to normality in the fourth quarter, with a greater focus on the local audience.
This is the flip side of increased internationalisation: diversification broadens business opportunities, but also exposes MCH to greater geographical complexity and risks that do not directly concern the art market.
The first half of 2026 thus paints a picture of a group undergoing transformation: Art Basel remains the flagship brand, whilst MCH is building a broader portfolio of events, experiences and new international formats around its art platform.
