The NEC Group has announced it is looking to further expand its international operations with the development of new opportunities within the European arena and stadium market.

Koen Melis is leading NEC Group International in its move into the European sector in an attempt to build on the company's success as a consultant to a number of schemes.

The group has been involved in the planning of the Lyon's Villeurbanne Arena, France; the Citta Dello Sport in Rome, Italy; and a new multi-purpose arena in Derby, UK.

NEC Group International has also signed a management contract for the Convention Centre Dublin in Ireland and is now looking to secure further contracts across Europe.

Melis said: "We look forward to escalating the operations of the group and taking on the challenges European venues present.

"Overall, our group mission is fixed on bringing venues to life and we will be employing our extensive knowledge and experience of facility management to achieve our objectives."

The announcement comes a week after the NEC Group secured a five-year sponsorship deal with Barclaycard. It is also planning a £20.6m revamp of Birmingham's NIA venue.

Details: www.necgroup.co.uk