Events.com Expands Festival Portfolio with Wonderfront Acquisition
Deal News | Dec 16, 2024 | Raptor Capital Management LP
Events.com has announced the acquisition of the Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival, enhancing its repertoire of Southern California festivals. The acquisition aligns with Events.com’s vision to blend technology with live experiences, as highlighted by Stephen Partridge, the company's President and COO. Under this new ownership, Events.com aims to improve digital engagement and operational efficiencies for the festival, which has risen to prominence since its 2019 inception. The festival, often hailed as a pivotal cultural affair in San Diego, attracts a diverse crowd with its lineup of over 80 musical acts and additional arts and cultural events. The 2025 edition is set to continue its appeal with innovative enhancements enabled by Events.com’s management platform. Furthermore, the company is set to merge with Concord Acquisition Corp. II, marking a strategic move aimed at expanding Events.com’s growth and leadership in event management. The newly combined entity, to trade under the ticker RSVP, anticipates closing this deal in 2025.
Sectors
- Event Management
- Music and Arts
- Private Equity
Geography
- United States – The transactions and events are centered in Southern California, USA, specifically involving the city of San Diego.
Industry
- Event Management – The acquisition and expansion of Events.com's capabilities highlight its growing influence in the event management industry, including large-scale festivals and cultural events.
- Music and Arts – The integration of the Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival into Events.com's portfolio amplifies the focus on music and cultural events.
- Private Equity – Raptor Capital Management LP's involvement as a backer indicates relevance to the private equity industry.
Financials
- – The financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events.com | Acquirer | Company | An event management platform expanding its festival portfolio by acquiring Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival. |
| Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival | Target | Company | A prominent festival in San Diego known for its diverse music and cultural offerings. |
| Raptor Capital Management LP | Private Equity Firm | Company | The PE firm backing Events.com. |
| Stephen Partridge | President and COO of Events.com | Person | Key spokesperson for Events.com in the transaction. |
| Paul Thornton | Founder & Executive Producer of Wonderfront Festival | Person | Founder contributing to maintaining the festival's unique cultural identity post-acquisition. |
| Concord Acquisition Corp. II | Merger Partner | Company | Special purpose acquisition company set to merge with Events.com. |