EagleTree Capital, a New York-based private equity firm, and Arc, a global events industry consortium led by Simon Foster (UK), have announced an exclusive partnership to build events businesses.
The partnership will focus on acquiring single, or groups of, events, as well as forming joint venture partnerships with organisers, associations, and venues. Canson Capital Partners (“Canson”) has been providing financial advisory services to Arc since inception and will join funds managed by EagleTree in the partnership and continue to provide services going forward.
Simon Foster (pictured) said: “We want to build the future of networking. Everyone in this partnership is experienced in developing the power and potential of live events. Our aim is to build the next generation events business. Fuelled by our expertise, and the energy of face-to-face events, we want to take the next step in connecting and supporting communities and building business networks.”
EagleTree has previously supported the media and events sector. Current and past investments in the space include Northstar Travel Group, ALM, and Penton. The firm also has several investments in businesses that serve the live events industry, including Moss and Sparks.
Robert Gray, operating partner at EagleTree, said: “Simon and I worked together at UBM, and I am very excited to partner with him to help build and scale a leading events and trade show business. Our combined resources are coming together at an opportune time, and we’re excited to help the team source and grow assets.”
EagleTree’s co-managing partner, Anup Bagaria and senior partner Michael Struble, added in a statement: “We are long-term believers in face-to-face events, and we’re very excited to work with the Arc team. We view the current climate as an opportunity to leverage our experience in the space to help strengthen brands in the sector and build a trade shows and events platform for the future.”
