Private Equity Funds managed by Blackstone acquired the National Exhibition Centre Group, a live events venue operator in the UK, from LDC, the private equity arm of Lloyds Banking Group.
The amount of the deal was not disclosed.
Founded in 1976 and led by Paul Thandi, Chief Executive Officer, the NEC has grown into the UK’s live events business of choice for organizers, exhibitors and visitors, playing host to over seven million guests and 750 events every year. The NEC boasts Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre, the International Convention Centre, the Genting Arena and Arena Birmingham among its assets as well as caterer Amadeus and national ticketing agency The Ticket Factory.
The National Exhibition Centre hosts many of the largest exhibitions in the UK, including Crufts, the internationally acclaimed dog show, Spring Fair, the UK’s largest exhibition, and Grand Designs Live. Many other renowned events take place within the NEC venues and NEC has partnered with Merlin Entertainments to open their first Bear Grylls Adventure visitor attraction and a LEGOLAND Discovery Centre on the company’s sites.
The NEC is also due to host nine sports as part of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
LDC originally backed a management buyout of the Group in January 2015. Since then, it has supported a four-year transformation programme to enhance sites, facilities and customer experience and broaden the range of events across the Group’s portfolio, supported by significant capital investment.
Blackstone was advised by Moelis. LDC was advised by Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
FinSMEs
15/10/2018