Raccoon Media Group Expands with Animal Health Division Led by Nicole Cooper
Deal News | Nov 07, 2024 | Cuil Bay Capital (CBC)

Raccoon Media Group, a prominent global events and media company, has unveiled its new Animal Health Division, which will encompass the existing National Equine Show and two significant acquisitions: PATS (Pets & Aquatics Trade Show) and BETA International. Nicole Cooper, an industry veteran with three decades of experience, has been appointed as CEO of the new division. The PATS acquisition will see the existing team, led by Gordon Thomas, join Raccoon's efforts to elevate the event further. BETA International, the UK's leading equestrian and country trade fair, will hold its first event under Raccoon in September 2025 at NEC Birmingham. This strategic expansion is aimed at enhancing Raccoon's footprint in the pet and equestrian markets, providing enhanced value for B2B and B2C audiences. Claire Williams of BETA and Mike Seaman, Group CEO of Raccoon, have both expressed optimism about the division's potential, underlining their focus on serving passion-driven communities. The acquisitions underscore Raccoon's commitment to fostering community engagement and industry advancement.
Sectors
- Events and Media
- Animal Health
Geography
- United Kingdom – The acquisitions, PATS and BETA International, are significant UK-based trade events, highlighting Raccoon's expansion in this geographic market.
Industry
- Events and Media – Raccoon Media Group is a key player in the events and media industry, focusing on large-scale, high-impact exhibitions and trade shows.
- Animal Health – The newly formed Animal Health Division and the related acquisitions are directly linked to the animal health industry, catering to pet care and equestrian market stakeholders.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raccoon Media Group | Acquiring Company | Company | A global events and media company focusing on passion-led communities. |
| Cuil Bay Capital (CBC) | Private Equity Firm | Company | A PE firm that appears to support Raccoon Media Group in its strategic expansions. |
| Nicole Cooper | CEO, Animal Health Division | Person | Appointed as CEO of Raccoon Media Group's new Animal Health Division with extensive experience in the events sector. |
| PATS (Pets & Aquatics Trade Show) | Acquired Company | Company | UK's leading trade show for the pets and aquatics sector. |
| BETA International | Acquired Company | Company | UK's primary equestrian and country trade fair. |
| Gordon Thomas | Event Director of PATS | Person | Director of PATS, who will continue to work under Raccoon's ownership. |
| Claire Williams | Executive Director at BETA | Person | Responsible for BETA International’s transition to Raccoon Media Group. |
| Mike Seaman | Group CEO of Raccoon Media Group | Person | Overseeing the company's strategic expansions and the new division's formation. |