CVC Global Sport Group Agrees to Acquire Controlling Stake in Equine Network

CVC Invests in Dream Games as Sole Equity Partner

May 1, 2025

Media & Entertainment

CVC has agreed a strategic investment to become the sole equity partner in Dream Games, providing liquidity to the company's initial venture capital investors who will exit. Debt financing is being provided by funds managed by Blackstone and others; Dream Games will use the partnership to accelerate growth of its Royal games universe and expand globally. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in Q3 2025.

Equine Network (GCP Portfolio) Acquires Pink Buckle and Ruby Buckle

June 6, 2023

Media & Entertainment

Equine Network, a portfolio company of Growth Catalyst Partners, acquired Pink Buckle and Ruby Buckle, a series of prestigious barrel-racing competitions. Stellus Capital Management provided senior debt financing to support the transaction as Equine Network expands its Western Sports Group offerings and member services.

Equine Network Acquires The Horse

April 7, 2023

Media & Entertainment

Equine Network, a tech-enabled membership services platform backed by Growth Catalyst Partners, has acquired The Horse (TheHorse.com and The Horse: Your Guide to Equine Health Care). The purchase adds The Horse’s vetted equine health content, digital library and custom marketing services to Equine Network’s information and membership offerings to expand audience reach and capability in equine health education.

Equine Network Acquires Horse Radio Network

October 3, 2022

Media & Entertainment

Equine Network, a tech-enabled media and membership platform serving the equestrian industry, has acquired the Horse Radio Network, a long-running independent podcast network. The deal expands Equine Network’s podcast footprint (more than 30 podcasts combined) and gives smaller podcasters access to larger advertiser relationships and wider audience distribution.

The Equine Network Acquires Spalding Laboratories (with support from Growth Catalyst Partners)

February 10, 2021

Veterinary

The Equine Network has acquired Spalding Laboratories, a long-standing provider of all‑natural insect control products and recurring membership services for horses, livestock and pets, serving more than 60,000 customers annually. The transaction was completed with financial support from private equity firm Growth Catalyst Partners; founder Tom Spalding will remain involved in day‑to‑day strategic initiatives and product development. Terms were not disclosed.

Growth Catalyst Partners Acquires The Equine Network from Active Interest Media

January 11, 2021

Media & Entertainment

Growth Catalyst Partners (GCP), a Chicago-based middle market private equity firm, has acquired The Equine Network in a corporate carve-out from Active Interest Media. GCP will partner with Equine Network's management (Tom Winsor as President & CEO and Andy Clurman as Executive Chairman) to invest in organic growth and M&A to expand the company's sports, information, and tech-enabled services for the global equine industry.