GTCR-Backed Ascent Sports Group Acquires LiveBarn for About $400M

Carlyle Acquires LiveU from Francisco Partners

July 20, 2021

Media & Entertainment

Global investment firm Carlyle has acquired LiveU, the live video streaming and remote production solutions provider, from Francisco Partners. Financial terms were not disclosed; Carlyle said it will use its CETP IV fund to support LiveU's growth, pursuing organic expansion and M&A to broaden its footprint in broadcast, sports and cloud production as 5G and cloud-based media production accelerate.

Playfly Sports Acquires The Aspire Group to Expand Ticketing and Hospitality Capabilities

May 3, 2023

Marketing & Advertising

Playfly Sports has acquired The Aspire Group to form the cornerstone of a new tech-infused Playfly Gameday division, expanding Playfly's ticketing, hospitality, and fan-engagement capabilities. The deal adds Aspire’s team of 166 employees and its experience with more than 300 collegiate and professional partners to Playfly’s platform to drive matchday revenues and advanced fan analytics.

Unrivaled Sports Acquires Rocker B Ranch

January 2, 2025

Restaurants & Hospitality

Unrivaled Sports has acquired Rocker B Ranch, a 325-acre youth baseball and multi-sport resort near Graford, Texas, adding the property to its Baseball & Multi-sport Division. Unrivaled plans to expand fields, increase accommodations, and enhance amenities while founders Lance and Bart Byrd will remain involved with the operation.

Playfly Sports Acquires Paragon Marketing Group

March 10, 2025

Marketing & Advertising

Playfly Sports has acquired Paragon Marketing Group to expand its capabilities in brand consulting, event creation, content development and live sports production, particularly across the high-school sports landscape. Paragon will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary called Paragon Sports Marketing, with founding partners Rashid Ghazi and Julie Simmons overseeing the unit to integrate Paragon’s events, media relationships and client partnerships into Playfly’s commercial platform.

Apollo Global Management Secures Minority Investment in The GoodLife Group

February 10, 2026

Healthcare Services

Apollo Global Management agreed to acquire a minority stake in Canada’s largest gym operator, The GoodLife Group. The investment is intended to provide capital to accelerate GoodLife’s long-term growth strategy while keeping founder-led leadership and existing management in place. The deal remains subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.

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

February 7, 2026

Media & Entertainment

CVC Global Sport Group has agreed to acquire a controlling stake in Equine Network. The stake is being purchased from Growth Catalyst Partners, and the deal is expected to close in Q2 2026 subject to regulatory approvals.