M & A
Doug Emslie ’ s Cuil Bay Capital launches with acquisition of UK ’ s Raccoon Media Group
Left to right : Jo Tyler , COO at Raccoon ; Doug Emslie , chairman of Cuil Bay Capital and Mike Seaman , CEO , Raccoon .
K-based Cuil Bay
U
Capital ( CBC ), a new investment vehicle led by Doug Emslie , former CEO of Tarsus Group , has made the acquisition of a majority stake in UK-based Raccoon Media Group its inaugural investment . Exact terms of the deal were not disclosed .
Founded in 2016 , Raccoon achieved acclaim with the launch of the National Running Show , which next runs at the NEC , Birmingham in January 2024 .
The company has gone on to launch several more events in the UK and US and has transformed into a high-growth media business dedicated to promoting healthy and active lifestyles .
Raccoon currently organises events spanning the Running , Outdoor , Cycling , Snow , Equine , and Allergy sectors in the UK , with further ventures in the US , including Run , Snow , and Outdoor exhibitions . CBC says its strategy focuses on acquiring entrepreneurial businesses and events that are in the highgrowth stage in sectors that are in transition . The purchase of Raccoon is the initial stage of what CBC says is developing a portfolio that focuses on healthy , active and sustainable markets that inspire positive lifestyle choices .
CBC chairman Emslie , who served as Tarsus CEO until its acquisition by Informa for $ 1bn in April 2023 , will assume the position of chairman at Raccoon .
Speaking about the acquisition , Emslie said : “ I am very pleased to have Raccoon as our first investment and I look forward to working with Mike Seaman and his team to help them execute their exciting expansion programme . Raccoon will continue to grow organically , by launching new products and by acquisition .”
Seaman , who remains CEO of Raccoon Media Group , added : “ Over the past seven years , Raccoon has evolved to a business that employs 33 members of staff , delivers 10 events per year , has a growing digital arm and operates in the US as well as the UK … This acquisition is perfectly timed to enable us to take the next step on our journey , building on the solid foundations that already exist and giving us the investment and ability to expand .”
Terrapinn acquires Aerospace Tech Week
Global media and events company , Terrapinn has announced the acquisition of Aerospace Tech Week , a business media company specialising in core technologies for the global aerospace industry . The business comprises Aerospace Tech Week Americas , Aerospace Tech Week Europe - – and a publication . The parties have not disclosed the value of the deal .
Terrapinn group CEO Greg Hitchen tells EW : “ Terrapinn will increasingly look to acquisitions for growth . And for us it is not just a buy at x5 and sell at x10 game . We are in the business of acquiring properties that we can really add value to ; that really add value to all of Terrapinn . Aerospace Tech Week is a great example and it is a superb fit with our Aviation portfolio .”
Sean Willis , managing director , Terrapinn UK , says : “ Aerospace Tech Week is a fantastic complement to our existing aviation portfolio and we are really excited to welcome the products and the team .”
Adrian Broadbent , CEO , Aerospace Tech Week , adds : “ Terrapinn has the resources , network and interest to take the business to the next level .”
Mayfield Merger Strategies acted as adviser to the Aerospace Tech Week shareholders .
www . exhibitionworld . co . uk Issue 5 2023 61