The serial Baselworld's new chapter
The twists and turns around cancelled watch fairs continue. Eqotime's Britta Rossander gives you a summary of the latest developments around Baselworld 2020.
By: Britta Rossander
The first email today (7 May 06:44) was a press release from the MCH Group (Baselworld's owner). In the release MCH tell that they, together with representatives of the exhibitors at Baselworld, have reached a financial agreement for the cancelled 2020 fair. It was after all also the irritation over their rules for the refund of fees for the 2020 Baselworld that made Rolex act the way they did. A decision that brought Tudor, Chopard, Patek and Chanel along with it.
The dissatisfaction with MCH was so great that the cancellation was carried out at rocket speed. This of course meant that the LV group (Zenith, Hublot, Tag Heuer and Bvlgari) quickly plucked up courage and followed a couple of days later. Now however, in cooperation with the Swiss exhibitors' committee, has produced a solution. A solution that seems acceptable and with an economy that everyone should be able to live with.
– I welcome MCH’s attitude, which has made it possible for us to find a balanced solution, says Hubert J. du Plessix, chairman of Baselworld's Swiss exhibitors' committee, Directeur, Rolex Sa and responsible for Investissements & Logistique.
– I also want to thank Patek Philippe, Rolex, Tudor, Chanel, Chopard, Hublot, Zenith and Tag Heuer, who out of solidarity have accepted a lower refund so that the remaining exhibitors can get better future conditions.
Which means that MCH think they have cash left to work out some form of presentation for the brands that are now hanging in limbo and perhaps have nowhere to show themselves off. Bernd Stadlwieser, CEO of the MCH Group, says:
– We are pleased to have been able to find a solution in a short time that is acceptable for everyone. Against the background of the large loss of income because of COVID-19 and our responsibility towards all our stakeholder groups, this solution is the limit of what is possible for us. With a solution reached by mutual agreement for a cancelled Baselworld 2020, we can now concentrate on the future.
The press release ends with the MCH Group having taken the decision not to hold Baselworld 28 January – 2 February 2021.
– Together with exhibitors and visitors we are working on producing alternatives for new platforms. We will take a decision on possible formats by the summer and will as soon as possible provide information about the new concept and scheduling, says Michel Loris-Melikoff, CEO of Baselworld.
To be continued and Eqotime will report to you.
