Miami Seaquarium has formed an events department, Miami Seaquarium Events, to produce corporate parties and meetings. Event producer Clare Whelan will head the department. 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149-1095; 305/365-2531; Web site: www.miamiseaquarium.com
The Newport Beach, Calif.-based event production firm Masterpiece Productions has acquired Anthony E. Griffin and Associates, a Santa Ana, Calif., floral and event design studio. Anthony Griffin has been appointed vice president of production and Scott Barclay has been named operations manager. 1600 Dove St., Suite 440, Newport Beach, CA 92660; 949/622-8110; Web site: www.masterpiece productions.com
Surrey, England-based exhibition and trade show organizer DMG Exhibition Group has purchased Riddell Exhibition Pro-motions, Australia's second-largest show organizer. Trevor Riddell, founder and chairman of Riddell Exhibition Promotions, is retiring upon completion of the deal. Tony Marget becomes managing director. Trevor Riddell's sons Peter and Graeme Riddell are also staying with the company. 137 Burnley St., Richmond, P.O. Box 3016, Burnley North, Victoria 3121, Australia; 61 3 9429 6088.
The New York restaurant management group Restaurant Associates has acquired Los Angeles-based The Patina Group, consisting of seven restaurants, four museum cafes and a catering company. The merger will not affect the restaurants or its employees, company executives said, and owners Christine and Joachim Splichal will continue to operate the business. The Patina Group, 5735 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90038; 323/960-1760; Web site: www.patina-pinot.com
Foodservice equipment manufacturer Welbilt Corp. has announced the acquisition of Scotsman Industries, based in Vernon Hills,
Ill. Welbilt Corp., 225 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT 06905; 203/325-8300; Web site: www.welbilt.com
