Dave & Buster's Acquires Main Event for $835 Million

RedBird Capital Partners Invests in Main Event Entertainment

June 15, 2020

Media & Entertainment

RedBird Capital Partners will invest US$80 million for a 24.2% preferred equity stake in Main Event Entertainment, valuing the business at an implied enterprise value of US$424 million. The transaction provides Main Event with near-term financial flexibility and a strategic partner to support U.S. growth; RedBird also holds an option to acquire an additional 26.8% interest from Ardent Leisure between July 2022 and July 2024.

Clarion Capital Partners Acquires Marketplace Events

January 8, 2025

Media & Entertainment

Clarion Capital Partners has acquired Marketplace Events, the largest organizer of B2C shows in North America, operating more than 110 shows across the U.S. and Canada and attracting over 2.2 million attendees annually. The transaction (completed from Clarion's Fund IV) was financed in part by PennantPark; Clarion said it will accelerate Marketplace's growth and expand its sport, outdoor and new B2B show offerings.

Bowlero Corp. Acquires Sabre Lanes (WI) and The Big Event (NJ)

February 14, 2023

Restaurants & Hospitality

Bowlero Corp. has expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of Sabre Lanes in Menasha, Wisconsin and the acquisition of The Big Event in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. The transactions are part of Bowlero's ongoing unit expansion strategy, increasing its footprint in Wisconsin and New Jersey and adding large multi-entertainment centers to its national network.

ESE Entertainment Acquires Bombee Americas

October 23, 2024

Media & Entertainment

ESE Entertainment Inc. has acquired Bombee Americas, the North American arm of Bombee Event Production AB, in a share purchase agreement that transferred all outstanding shares of Bombee Americas to ESE. The deal includes cash payments and issued consideration shares, retains the Bombee Americas management team under service agreements, and is intended to strengthen ESE's production capabilities and North American presence in gaming and entertainment.

Liberty Media Acquires QuintEvents for $313M

September 6, 2023

Media & Entertainment

Liberty Media Corporation agreed to acquire greater than 90% of QuintEvents, valuing the company at $313 million; the deal is being funded with cash on hand and Quint will be attributed to Liberty’s Formula One Group tracking stock. Quint, a Charlotte-based provider of official ticketing, hospitality and travel experiences for major sports and entertainment events, will continue to operate separately while partnering with Liberty/Formula 1 to expand premium fan and corporate experiences.

Serata Capital Partners and Paceline Equity Partners Acquire EventLink from Fort Point Capital

October 2, 2025

Marketing & Advertising

Austin-based Serata Capital Partners and Dallas-based Paceline Equity Partners have acquired EventLink (EventLink Holding Company), a Sterling Heights, Michigan experiential marketing and event services provider, from Fort Point Capital. The transaction transfers ownership to the two private equity managers, who plan to support EventLink's growth, expand capabilities and geographic reach, and deepen client relationships; terms were not disclosed.