Exhibitions MCH Group generates less revenue in 2025 despite ESC - significantly higher profit
Despite the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC), the Basel-based MCH Group achieved slightly lower sales in 2025 than in the previous year. However, profitability improved and profits increased significantly. The company is not providing a concrete outlook for 2026.
24.03.2026, 08:02
24.03.2026, 08:03
SDA
Turnover fell by 1.4 percent to CHF 429.6 million, according to the Basel-based exhibition and event group. At 51.2 million, however, operating profit (EBITDA) was almost half that of the previous year.
The bottom line for 2025 was a net profit of 18.6 million after 3.0 million. As in the previous year, no dividend is planned.
Improved profitability
According to the company, the slight decline in turnover is primarily due to negative currency effects of around CHF 13 million and effects in the event cycle. At constant exchange rates, however, sales would have grown.
The Group attributes the significant improvement in profitability in particular to a stronger focus on higher-margin activities. It also cites an improved operating model as a reason.
Art Basel with high visitor numbers
Art Basel remained the most important driver and was further strengthened by new initiatives and international expansion. In the Exhibitions & Events segment, numerous own and guest events were held with a total of over 680,000 participants.
The four Art Basel fairs in Basel, Hong Kong, Paris and Miami Beach each attracted between 73,000 and 91,000 visitors, as detailed in the annual report. In connection with the Eurovision Song Contest, the MCH Group hosted the official side events, welcoming a total of over 340,000 guests, the report continues.
No quantitative outlook
The MCH Group is not giving a concrete quantitative outlook for 2026. However, it intends to continue pursuing its growth strategy, strengthen its international positioning and further expand its portfolio of global platforms.
The most important projects include the first edition of Art Basel Qatar and the launch of the health.tech Global Summit in Basel, a new international platform for healthcare technologies. In addition, initiatives such as Zero/10, a platform for digital art and new formats in the digital age, and the Art Basel Awards are to be further developed.
