Marketplace Events: North America's B2C Show Powerhouse Acquired by Clarion
Deal News | Jan 08, 2025 | Clarion Capital Partners LLC
Clarion Capital Partners, a New York-based investment manager, has announced the acquisition of Marketplace Events, a leading organizer of business-to-consumer shows in North America. With more than 110 shows across 54 U.S. and Canadian markets, Marketplace Events attracts over 2.2 million consumers and 30,000 exhibitors annually. The acquisition further solidifies Clarion's investment strategy in growth-oriented companies and aligns with its vision of valuing strong workplace cultures. Marketplace Events, recovering robustly from pre-COVID levels, anticipates accelerated growth under the new partnership. Financial advisor BrightTower and legal advisors Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck represented the parties in this transaction, with PennantPark providing financing.
Sectors
- Private Equity
- Events & Entertainment
Geography
- United States – Both Clarion Capital Partners and Marketplace Events have significant operations and event locations across various states in the U.S.
- Canada – Marketplace Events organizes shows in Canadian markets such as Vancouver and Montreal.
Industry
- Private Equity – The acquisition of Marketplace Events by Clarion Capital Partners involves private equity investment aimed at expanding Portfolio.
- Events & Entertainment – Marketplace Events operates over 110 events focused on consumer shows across various sectors, including home, garden, and sports.
Financials
- Fund IV – The acquisition of Marketplace Events was completed with Clarion's Fund IV.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clarion Capital Partners LLC | Bidding Company | Company | A New York-based investment manager focusing on private equity and structured credit. |
| Marketplace Events | Target Company | Company | The largest organizer of business-to-consumer shows in North America. |
| BrightTower | Financial Advisor | Company | Exclusive financial advisor representing Marketplace Events in the transaction. |
| Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP | Legal Advisor | Company | Provided legal representation for Clarion Capital Partners during the acquisition. |
| PennantPark | Financing Provider | Company | Provided financing for the acquisition deal involving Clarion and Marketplace Events. |
| David Ragins | President, Private Equity | Person | President of Private Equity for Clarion Capital Partners, commenting on the acquisition. |
| Mark White | CEO | Person | CEO of Marketplace Events, discussing the growth prospects post-acquisition. |