A procedure launched in October 2016
As we mentioned in our columns, the dispute between the Federation of the Nautical Industries and Reed Expositions continues since the termination of the contract binding them for the organisation of the Nautic and Cannes Yachting Festival. For the latter, legal proceedings have been ongoing since October 2016.
In his decision of 03 February 2017, the judge hearing the application for interim measures, referred to him by Reed Expositions, did not consider it necessary to impose a protective measure prohibiting the FIN from communicating on the Cannes Yachting Festival. The trial on the merits is still ongoing. The FIN says it welcomes the decision "with great seriousness."
FIN calls for registration with Reed Expo
Paradoxically and contrary to the line announced at the beginning of January, even if the FIN considers that it has emerged victorious from the summary judgment, which it considers to be a good omen for the future, it calls on exhibitors to register with Reed Expositions for the 2017 edition of the Cannes Boat Show. In a letter to exhibitors, it considers this to be the best decision for the nautical sector. "The Federation of the Nautical Industries has always known, particularly with the other European federations, how to ensure that the general interest prevails, beyond the national interests for which each is responsible. The break with the organizer of his shows must not taint this story. Nor can we tolerate today that you are being held hostage in a legal battle. And, our responsibility is not to damage the next edition of the Yachting Festival..."
Contacted by Boatindustry, Fabien Métayer, President of Nautic Festival and General Delegate of FIN, also informed us that a problem remained regarding the agreement between the city of Cannes and the exhibition organiser on the use of port areas.
FIN rejects the failure of mediation on Reed Expo
A real communication war continues. Reed Expositions stated in Boatindustry on February 08 that a mediation had been launched by the Cannes City Hall before the decision of the interim relief judge. Contrary to this, the FIN stated in its press release of 10 February that it was at the origin, on the evening of the judgment, requesting the help of the local authorities for this purpose.
"As the owner of the show, the FIN has sought the active assistance of the Mayor of Cannes and the President of the ICC to bring Reed back to a reasonable position," said Yves Lyon-Caen, President of the FIN. FIN's proposal was to "reactivate the contract with Reed to preserve the 2017 edition and safeguard the interests of the boating industry and exhibitors." Reed was in charge of the technical aspects and FIN was "the guarantor of the exhibitors' interests."
Here again, the versions diverge, with FIN blaming Reed for the cancellation of the conciliation meeting scheduled at Cannes City Hall on February 8, 2017. The latter said that the absence of the President of the FIN had motivated the city of Cannes to postpone the meeting. Mr Lyon-Caen refutes the accusation and considers that "this pretext must not hide Reed's real motive, which is the refusal to acknowledge his judicial failure and to accept its consequences. It is up to the NIF to decide who represents it, not Reed. "
The FIN denounces a power grab
The FIN regrets in its press release that the Cannes City Hall passively consents to Reed's coup de force. It is also concerned about the influence of the exhibition, which was handed over to a subsidiary of a foreign financial group with which it no longer defends the interests of the nautical sector.
New actions to come
FIN will hold an exceptional board meeting on Monday, February 13 to consider possible initiatives with Reed.
