Zip World Joins Dolphin Capital Portfolio in £100m+ Deal
Deal News | Jan 27, 2025 | LDC
In a significant transaction, LDC exited its investment in Zip World, an adventurous outdoor activity provider in the UK, selling it to Dolphin Capital for over £100 million. This strategic acquisition by Dolphin Capital sees Zip World joining their portfolio alongside companies like Snowcentres Ltd., further enhancing Dolphin Capital's stronghold in the hospitality and leisure sector. Dolphin Capital is committed to supporting Zip World’s management team with growth plans and funding further acquisitions and attractions. During this transaction, both LDC and Zip World received financial, legal, and tax advisory support from prominent firms including KPMG, Blake Morgan, and Grant Thornton. Dolphin Capital also relied on a network of advisors, including Katz Advisers and Fladgate, to navigate this deal. This partnership promises to bolster the adventure tourism sector in the UK, especially with plans to expand Zip World's offering across the UK, although retaining strong ties to its origins in North Wales.
Sectors
- Hospitality and Leisure
- Financial Services
Geography
- United Kingdom – The deal revolves around companies operating primarily in the UK, with Zip World expanding its adventure activities across regions including London and North Wales.
Industry
- Hospitality and Leisure – The acquisition involves companies in the hospitality and leisure industry, such as Zip World, which offers adventure tourism activities, and Dolphin Capital, which focuses on investments in this sector.
- Financial Services – The transaction exemplifies the role of private equity firms like LDC and Dolphin Capital in shaping business trajectories through strategic investments and exits.
Financials
- £100 million – The transaction value exceeding £100 million for the acquisition of Zip World by Dolphin Capital.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zip World | Target company | Company | An adventure tourism company known for its outdoor activities, particularly in North Wales. |
| LDC | Vendor | Company | The private equity firm that exited its investment in Zip World. |
| Dolphin Capital | Buyer | Company | A private equity firm with a focus on the hospitality and leisure industry, acquiring Zip World. |
| KPMG | Corporate and Tax Advisor to LDC and Zip World | Company | A leading professional services firm providing corporate finance and tax advisory services. |
| Blake Morgan | Legal Advisor to LDC and Zip World | Company | A law firm offering legal services for the transaction. |
| Grant Thornton | Tax Advisor to LDC and Zip World | Company | An independent assurance, tax, and advisory firm. |
| Sedulo | Tax Advisor to LDC and Zip World | Company | A business advisory firm providing expertise in accounting, auditing, and taxation. |
| HSBC Leveraged Finance Manchester | Ongoing Support to LDC and Zip World | Company | HSBC's tailored leveraged finance services team supporting business transactions. |
| Katz Advisers | Corporate Finance Advisor to Dolphin Capital | Company | An advisory firm providing corporate finance expertise. |
| Fladgate | Legal Advisor to Dolphin Capital | Company | A law firm serving as legal advisors for the transaction. |
| BDO | Financial & Tax Due Diligence to Dolphin Capital | Company | An international network of public accounting firms. |