LOS
ANGELES and LAS
VEGAS, Oct. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Truelink
Capital today announced that it has entered into a definitive
agreement to acquire GES, a leading provider in the global
exhibition and event industry. Financial terms will be disclosed
publicly in Viad Corp's press release and on Form 8-K. The
transaction is expected to close by the end of the calendar year
2024, subject to customary closing conditions.
GES, founded over 90 years ago, has built an exceptional
reputation for delivering world-class exhibition, event, and brand
activation solutions on a global scale. With operations across
North America, Europe, and Asia, GES provides comprehensive services that
span strategy, creative design, logistics, and event production,
enabling clients to deliver extraordinary event experiences. The
company's innovative solutions cater to a wide array of industries,
including healthcare, aerospace & defense, financial services,
manufacturing, technology, and retail, offering end-to-end support
for both live and virtual events. In addition to its core services,
GES has successfully expanded into adjacent verticals, becoming a
trusted partner for associations, independent organizers, corporate
marketers, exhibitors, and agencies in the dynamic world of brand
activation. Its leadership in this segment is supported by its
ability to build long-lasting relationships with clients and
partners alike.
"GES' deep-rooted leadership in the exhibition and event
industry, combined with its strategic opportunity to further expand
into the agency vertical through Spiro, positions it as an ideal
investment for us," said Luke Myers,
Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Truelink Capital. "We are
thrilled to partner with GES' exceptional and seasoned leadership
team and will work together to continue to invest in the company's
existing service offerings while pursuing growth both organically
and through strategic acquisitions. Their long-standing
relationships with clients and partners, alongside their ability to
adapt, have been pivotal in driving the company's continued
success. We see tremendous potential to enhance GES' tech-enabled
offerings to improve the customer experience across the core
exhibition business for associations, organizers, exhibitors,
attendees, and partners. Additionally, we are eager to explore
global opportunities to further expand GES' international reach,
while growing its presence in the agency business by leveraging
Spiro's creative excellence and GES' operational expertise to
deliver turnkey customer experiences."
Post-transaction, GES' President Derek
Linde will take over as President & CEO.
"This is a pivotal moment for GES," said Derek Linde. "As we move forward with Truelink
Capital, we are eager to build on our legacy while enhancing our
capabilities in technology and creative services. We are excited to
partner with a team that shares our passion to create exceptional
events and experiences, and we look forward to exploring new growth
avenues together."
This acquisition marks another significant investment for
Truelink Capital, a middle-market private equity firm focused on
creating long-term value by partnering with industry-leading
companies. The firm has a successful track record of operationally
focused investments in the industrials and tech-enabled services
sectors.
Baird and BrightTower served as financial advisors and Kirkland
& Ellis served as legal advisor to Truelink Capital for the
transaction. Moelis & Company LLC served as the financial
advisor and Latham & Watkins LLP served as legal advisor to
Viad Corp for the transaction.
ABOUT TRUELINK CAPITAL
Truelink Capital is a middle-market private equity firm based
in Los Angeles. Truelink pairs deep industry experience in the
industrials and technology-enabled services sectors with a
commitment to building partnerships that drive long-term value
through an operationally focused strategy. Truelink partners with
management, corporate sellers, and founders to accelerate growth
through the execution of strategic initiatives and transformative
add-on acquisitions.
ABOUT VIAD CORP
Viad (NYSE: VVI ) is a leading global
provider of extraordinary experiences, including attractions,
hospitality, exhibition services, and experiential marketing
through two businesses: Pursuit and GES. Our business strategy
focuses on delivering extraordinary experiences for our teams,
clients and guests, and significant and sustainable growth and
above-market returns for our shareholders. Viad is an S&P
SmallCap 600 company.
For more information, visit www.viad.com.
Media Contacts:
Truelink Capital
Peter Schultz
pschultz@truelinkcap.com
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SOURCE Truelink Capital
