RISE Rises Further: US Firm Elevate Enters MENA Market
Deal News | May 22, 2025 | Zawya
New York-based Elevate has announced the acquisition of RISE Group, a consultancy firm with offices in Riyadh and Dubai. The acquisition, although of an undisclosed value, is a strategic move by Elevate to enter the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) market, aiming to leverage the burgeoning sports and entertainment sector in the region. The deal is pending customary regulatory approval and is expected to enable RISE group to further scale its operations. As part of this acquisition, Seth Holmes and Tom Berrington, co-founders of RISE, are set to take on significant leadership roles within Elevate. Despite the acquisition, RISE will continue operating from its existing offices in the MENA region. Elevate, a global agency network, primarily connects properties, brands, and universities with their target audiences, and is known for working with major clients across the consumer products, retail, entertainment, and sports sectors.
Sectors
- Marketing and Consulting
- Sports and Entertainment
Geography
- United States – Elevate is a New York-based firm, marking relevance to the US market.
- Middle East and North Africa (MENA) – RISE operates in Dubai and Riyadh, and the acquisition marks Elevate's entry into the MENA region.
Industry
- Marketing and Consulting – The acquisition involves RISE Group, a consultancy providing marketing and commercial services, demonstrating activity within the marketing and consulting sector.
- Sports and Entertainment – The acquisition is driven by Elevate's strategy to tap into the growing sports and entertainment market in the MENA region, indicating significance to this sector.
Financials
- Undisclosed – The financial value of the acquisition of RISE Group by Elevate is not disclosed.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevate | Bidding Company | Company | Elevate is a New York-based global agency network that has acquired RISE Group to expand its presence in the MENA region. |
| RISE Group | Target Company | Company | RISE Group is a marketing and commercial services consultancy headquartered in Riyadh and Dubai, now acquired by Elevate. |
| Seth Holmes | Co-founder and Leadership Role | Person | Co-founder of RISE Group, will assume a key leadership role within Elevate post-acquisition. |
| Tom Berrington | Co-founder and Leadership Role | Person | Co-founder of RISE Group, will assume a key leadership role within Elevate post-acquisition. |