Media & Entertainment Acquisitions in 2023

Tracked deals

166

166 tracked deals across 2023.

Buyer mix

Strategic-led

138 strategic · 57 pe

Top trend

Volume peaked in 2022

259 tracked deals announced in 2022.

Buyer Snapshot

Top Buyers

Illustrative buyers pulled from tracked transactions on this page. This table is capped and intentionally non-exhaustive.

Build a buyer list for your Media & Entertainment deal →
Buyer # Deals Focus Type
Mountaingate Capital 3 Denver-based private equity firm investing in marketing s... PE
Providence Equity Partners 3 Specialist private equity firm focused on growth-oriented... PE
The Futurum Group 3 Independent technology advisory, media and research firm ... Strategic
WTWH Media 3 Digital-first B2B media and marketing company serving mul... Strategic (PE-backed)
Bar Partners 2 Amusement route operator placing games and entertainment ... Strategic (PE-backed)
Bluestone Equity Partners 2 Private equity firm focused on sports, media & entertainm... PE
Equine Network 2 Operator of equine media, events, memberships, subscripti... Strategic (PE-backed)
Novacap 2 Canadian private equity firm focused on TMT, industrials ... PE
Static Media 2 Digital media company that owns and operates a portfolio ... Strategic
Wasserman 2 Global sports, music and entertainment agency providing r... Strategic

Acquisition Volume in Media & Entertainment in 2023 by Year

Last 10 years

Acquisition volume by year Annual acquisition counts for the last 10 years for Media & Entertainment Acquisitions in 2023. 2 2017 12 2018 56 2019 129 2020 207 2021 259 2022 167 2023 199 2024 220 2025 ~269 est. 192 2026
Actual Full-year estimate

Supporting Data

Recent Transactions

  • Buyer
    Archetype, Regent LP
    Target
    Cheddar News, Rate My Professors
    Seller
    Altice USA
    Type
    Addon

    Archetype, a media portfolio company backed by Regent LP, has acquired Cheddar News and the Rate My Professors digital property from Altice USA. The deal — terms not disclosed — adds Cheddar's news network and the education review platform to Archetype's growing media holdings to broaden audience reach and digital capabilities.

  • Buyer
    Skyhorse Publishing
    Target
    Regnery Publishing
    Seller
    Salem Media Group
    Location
    District of Columbia, United States

    Skyhorse Publishing has agreed to acquire Regnery Publishing from Salem Media Group, with the transaction expected to close by year-end. Salem said the sale will place the longtime conservative publisher under Skyhorse’s stewardship, while Skyhorse plans to absorb Regnery’s more than 1,500 titles into its catalogue and operate Regnery as an imprint.

  • Buyer
    Trawlers Limited, INEOS (through Sir Jim Ratcliffe)
    Target
    Manchester United plc
    Seller
    Glazer family members and affiliates (Class B shareholders)
    Location
    United Kingdom

    Manchester United plc has entered into an agreement under which Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Chairman of INEOS, will acquire 25% of the company’s Class B shares and up to 25% of its Class A shares via a cash tender offer at $33.00 per share. Ratcliffe’s vehicle, Trawlers Limited, will also provide an additional $300 million intended to enable future investment into Old Trafford, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals.

  • Buyer
    Literally Media
    Target
    MEL Magazine
    Seller
    Recurrent Ventures
    Type
    Buyout

    Literally Media has acquired MEL Magazine, the once-popular men's lifestyle and culture brand that has been inactive since 2022. The brand was sold by Recurrent Ventures to join Literally's portfolio of digital culture properties as the buyer aims to revive MEL's voice and explore opportunities across editorial, video, and long-form IP development.

  • Buyer
    New Project Media
    Target
    Energy Rev
    Location
    United Kingdom
    Type
    Buyout

    New Project Media (NPM), a U.S.-based renewable energy market data, intelligence and events company, has acquired Energy Rev, a London-based proprietary news service focused on renewable energy financing and M&A. The acquisition expands NPM's footprint into Europe, adds Energy Rev's editorial team and strengthens NPM's European content and market intelligence offerings.

  • Buyer
    Atairos
    Target
    V Sports S.C.S.
    Seller
    Nassef Sawiris, Wesley Edens
    Location
    England, United Kingdom

    Atairos has agreed to invest as a minority partner in V Sports S.C.S., the holding company controlled by Nassef Sawiris and Wesley Edens that owns Aston Villa FC. The capital will be used to fund growth and infrastructure investments across AVFC and the broader V Sports network; V Sports will remain 100% owner of Aston Villa post-closing and retain control of club decisions.

  • Buyer
    The Futurum Group
    Target
    Gestalt IT (Tech Field Day)
    Seller
    Stephen Foskett
    Location
    United States
    Type
    Buyout

    The Futurum Group has acquired Gestalt IT, the publisher behind Tech Field Day, to combine its analyst research and demand-generation capabilities with Gestalt IT’s practitioner-focused events and content. The acquisition will expand Tech Field Day’s delegate network and broaden coverage across cloud, DevOps, AI, data, and cybersecurity while connecting participants to Futurum’s client pipeline.

  • Buyer
    Perion Network Ltd.
    Target
    Hivestack Inc.
    Location
    Quebec, Canada
    Type
    Buyout

    Perion Network Ltd. has completed the acquisition of Hivestack Inc., a global full‑stack programmatic digital out‑of‑home (DOOH) platform, for $100 million in cash plus up to $25 million in employee retention and performance‑based payments. The deal gives Perion immediate entry into the DOOH market with Hivestack's platform deployed across 32 countries and is intended to expand Perion's advertising product capabilities and diversify its revenue mix.

  • Buyer
    Oak View Group
    Target
    Family Entertainment Holdings

    Oak View Group (OVG) announced a strategic growth investment in Family Entertainment Holdings (FEH), a diversified live-events holding company behind Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live and Magic of Lights. The partnership will accelerate FEH’s international touring and seasonal programs while enhancing sponsorship and venue partnership capabilities through OVG’s global platform.

  • Buyer
    WTWH Media
    Target
    Engineering.com
    Type
    Buyout

    WTWH Media, a Cleveland-based digital-first B2B media and marketing company, has acquired the digital B2B media assets of Engineering.com. The acquisition expands WTWH Media's engineering-focused portfolio and audience reach, and follows WTWH's partnership with Mountaingate Capital to support growth and strategic acquisitions.

  • Buyer
    Hearst Newspapers
    Target
    Puzzmo
    Location
    United States
    Type
    Buyout

    Hearst Newspapers has acquired Puzzmo, a puzzle-games platform developed by Zach Gage and Orta Therox that hosts original daily newspaper-style games. Hearst plans to roll out Puzzmo across its brands (including the San Francisco Chronicle and Popular Mechanics) and make the platform available to partner publishers such as Vox, Digg, theSkimm and Postmedia.

  • Buyer
    Francisco Partners, Muse Group
    Target
    Hal Leonard

    Francisco Partners has provided growth capital to back the combination of Muse Group and Hal Leonard, creating an expanded global music content and learning platform. Hal Leonard will join Muse Group while both firms retain their existing headquarters; the combined business will leverage Muse Group’s digital products (Ultimate Guitar, MuseScore, Audacity) and Hal Leonard’s extensive sheet-music catalog to accelerate product, content and education offerings.

  • Buyer
    Paste Magazine
    Target
    Jezebel
    Seller
    G/O Media

    Paste Magazine has acquired the online cultural and feminist site Jezebel from G/O Media and plans to relaunch the brand. The purchase brings Jezebel into Paste’s portfolio as part of a strategic effort to expand its cultural journalism reach and preserve Jezebel’s editorial voice.

  • Buyer
    New Mountain Capital, CapitalG
    Target
    Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI)
    Seller
    BMI shareholders
    Type
    Buyout

    New Mountain Capital will lead a shareholder group to acquire Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), the world’s largest performing rights organization, with CapitalG taking a passive minority stake. The investment is intended to fund technology upgrades, new service offerings and M&A to increase royalty collections and accelerate cash distributions to BMI affiliates; BMI shareholders will allocate $100 million of sale proceeds to affiliates following closing.

  • Buyer
    RedBird IMI
    Target
    Front Office Sports

    RedBird IMI, a joint venture between RedBird Capital Partners and International Media Investments, has made a strategic minority investment in Front Office Sports (FOS). Jeff Zucker will join FOS's board as co-chair and SC Holdings will remain a significant minority shareholder as FOS uses the capital to expand its content, product and distribution reach.

  • Buyer
    Oddschecker Global Media
    Target
    SuperScommesse
    Seller
    Catena Media
    Location
    Italy
    Type
    Buyout

    Oddschecker Global Media (OGM) has acquired Italian sports network SuperScommesse from Catena Media, strengthening OGM's position in Italy and expanding its Confido affiliate network. The deal adds SuperScommesse's local brand, team and technology to OGM's European media operations and is intended to enhance product offerings and fan engagement in Italy's growing sports-betting market.

  • Buyer
    Professional Fighters League (PFL)
    Target
    Bellator
    Seller
    Paramount Global
    Type
    Buyout

    Professional Fighters League (PFL) has completed the acquisition of Bellator from Paramount Global, creating a combined MMA organization positioned as an industry co-leader. The deal brings Bellator's fighter roster and event infrastructure into the PFL platform, enabling expanded live-event franchises, a reimagined Bellator product in 2024, and plans for a PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions mega-event.

  • November 15, 2023
    Buyer
    Curios, Inc.
    Target
    E-NFT (e-nft.com)
    Seller
    Vinco Ventures, Zash Global, Emmersive Entertainment
    Type
    Buyout

    Curios, a Web3 creator marketplace, has acquired E-NFT.com (the E‑NFT marketplace) following a transition of management from Vinco Ventures, Zash Global, and Emmersive Entertainment. Curios plans to integrate E‑NFT and its 100,000+ users into its Creator Marketplace to revive the E‑NFT marketplace and expand digital music NFT offerings for creators and collectors.

  • November 8, 2023
    Buyer
    Find.co
    Target
    Salon.com
    Seller
    Drew Schoentrup, Chris Richmond
    Type
    Buyout

    Find.co has acquired 100% of Salon.com, bringing the veteran digital publisher into its expanding media portfolio. Salon will operate as a standalone U.S. brand with existing editorial staff retained; co-owners Drew Schoentrup and Chris Richmond will remain in transitional roles following the undisclosed transaction.

  • November 8, 2023
    Buyer
    Legends, Sixth Street, YGE Holdings, LLC, Jones Concessions LP
    Target
    ASM Global
    Seller
    AEG, Onex
    Type
    Buyout

    Legends has acquired ASM Global from AEG and Onex to create a combined global live-events and venue services company. The transaction brings together Legends' premium hospitality, merchandise, sponsorship and venue planning capabilities with ASM Global's venue management and event booking network to expand geographic reach, service offerings, and scale across sports, entertainment and conventions.

  • Buyer
    Willistown Capital, Spring Capital Partners, Merion Investment Partners, Penstock Equity
    Target
    High Output

    Willistown Capital has made a strategic growth investment in High Output to support the company's continued expansion of event production, AV installations, and soundstage services. Additional financing participants included Spring Capital Partners, Merion Investment Partners and Penstock Equity; founders John Cini and Jim Hirsch will remain in leadership roles.

  • Buyer
    Equinox Industries
    Target
    Clear Channel France
    Seller
    Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc.
    Location
    Île-de-France, France

    Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings, Inc. has completed the sale of its French business, Clear Channel France, to Equinox Industries as part of a broader portfolio optimization. The company said it is initiating a process to sell its Europe‑North segment and conducting a strategic review of its Latin American businesses while engaging financial advisers for those processes.

  • Buyer
    Atari SA
    Target
    Digital Eclipse
    Type
    Buyout

    Atari SA has entered into an agreement to acquire Digital Eclipse, an Emeryville, California-based game development studio specializing in the digital restoration and preservation of classic video games. The purchase consideration includes an initial $6.5 million (US$4.0 million cash and US$2.5 million in newly issued Atari shares) plus an earn-out of up to $13.5 million payable over ten years; Digital Eclipse shareholders will hold approximately 4.6% of Atari following a reserved capital increase. The acquisition is intended to expand Atari's internal development capabilities and advance its retro-focused growth strategy.

  • Buyer
    The Futurum Group
    Target
    Business Podcast Network
    Type
    Buyout

    The Futurum Group, a technology advisory, media, and research firm based in Austin, acquired Business Podcast Network (BPN), a San Francisco–based venture-backed podcast network known for The Drill Down. BPN founder Cory Johnson will join Futurum as Chief Market Strategist as Futurum expands its thought leadership, research and media capabilities.

  • Buyer
    KKR
    Target
    Simon & Schuster
    Seller
    Paramount Global
    Type
    Buyout

    KKR has completed its previously announced $1.62 billion all-cash acquisition of Simon & Schuster from Paramount Global. Simon & Schuster becomes a standalone private company led by CEO Jonathan Karp, with KKR supporting employee ownership and plans to invest in the publisher's future growth and capabilities.

  • Buyer
    FC Barcelona, Mountain & Co. I Acquisition Corp.
    Target
    Barça Media, Bridgeburg Invest, S.L.
    Location
    Spain
    Type
    Buyout

    FC Barcelona and Mountain & Co. I Acquisition Corp. announced an amendment to their existing business combination agreement related to Barça Media. The amendment focuses on near-term operational targets for global distribution partnerships, reduces closing conditionality for MCAA public shareholders, and revises minimum cash/proceeds requirements, while removing FCB’s unilateral termination right introduced in an earlier amendment.

  • Buyer
    Giggster
    Target
    ePHOTOzine
    Seller
    Magezine Publishing Ltd
    Location
    Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom
    Type
    Buyout

    Giggster has acquired the domain and assets of ePHOTOzine, a long-running online photography magazine operated by Magezine Publishing Ltd. The deal brings ePHOTOzine's content, tutorials, reviews and community into Giggster's marketplace to expand resources and reach for photographers and production renters.

  • Buyer
    GameSquare Holdings, Inc.
    Target
    FaZe Holdings Inc.
    Location
    United States
    Type
    Buyout

    GameSquare Holdings, Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire FaZe Holdings Inc. (“FaZe Clan”) in an arm’s-length all-stock transaction. The deal is expected to close in Q4 2023, pending shareholder approvals, regulatory approvals, completion of GameSquare’s private placement, and other customary closing conditions.

  • Buyer
    Basic.Space
    Target
    Design Miami/
    Type
    Buyout

    Basic.Space, a curated digital marketplace, has acquired Design Miami/, the global forum for collectible 20th and 21st-century design, in an all-stock transaction. Design Miami/ will continue to operate independently with Jennifer Roberts remaining CEO; Jesse Lee (Basic.Space founder & CEO) will serve as chairman and Craig Robins will join the board as part of the deal. The acquisition aims to expand Design Miami/'s e-commerce strategy, collaborations, fair formats and geographic footprint while deepening Basic.Space's home and collectible design offerings.

  • Buyer
    Patreon
    Target
    Moment
    Type
    Buyout

    Patreon has acquired Los Angeles-based livestream ticketed events platform Moment. The deal — terms undisclosed — will integrate Moment's ticketed livestream capabilities into Patreon's creator tools, giving creators a native way to host and monetize live digital experiences.

  • Buyer
    Diamond Baseball Holdings
    Target
    Norfolk Tides, Albuquerque Isotopes
    Seller
    Ken Young
    Location
    United States
    Type
    Addon

    Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH) has purchased the Norfolk Tides (Triple-A; International League) and the Albuquerque Isotopes (Triple-A; Pacific Coast League) from longtime owner Ken Young. The teams will continue operating with existing front-office staffs and managers in place as DBH integrates the franchises into its growing portfolio to enhance fan, player and community experiences.

  • Target
    Jurassic Quest Holdings, LLC
    Seller
    Capitala Group

    Capitala Group announced a successful exit from its investment in Jurassic Quest Holdings, LLC, a traveling family event business based outside Houston, Texas. Capitala first invested in May 2019 and said the partnership helped advance Jurassic Quest's growth; the press release did not disclose the buyer or transaction terms.

  • Buyer
    Equine Network, LLC
    Target
    The Patriot
    Seller
    Kevin Hall (former CEO of The Patriot)
    Type
    Buyout

    Equine Network, LLC has purchased The Patriot, a series of team ropings, barrel races, youth rodeo competitions and a premier junior horse sale, expanding its Western Sports Group event portfolio. Equine Network said it will integrate The Patriot into its data management and membership platform to drive growth and enhance event management and participant services.

  • October 10, 2023
    Buyer
    Rockbot
    Target
    Nerdy Bunny
    Type
    Buyout

    Rockbot has acquired Nerdy Bunny, an interactive signage and retail display solutions platform, to strengthen its in-store media and experiential retail capabilities. The deal brings Nerdy Bunny's interactive merchandising, TV demo experiences and retail media ad-serving solutions into Rockbot's unified CMS platform to better serve retailers and brands.

  • Buyer
    FLYING Media Group
    Target
    AvBuyer, GA Buyer Europe, GA Buyer Africa
    Location
    Surrey, United Kingdom
    Type
    Buyout

    FLYING Media Group (FMG) has acquired AvBuyer, the business aircraft listing marketplace and aviation media brand, along with GA Buyer Europe and GA Buyer Africa. FMG will integrate the assets into its existing portfolio of aviation publications and marketplaces to expand its reach in the business aviation listings and market-intelligence market.

  • Buyer
    Songtradr
    Target
    Bandcamp
    Seller
    Epic Games
    Type
    Buyout

    Songtradr has acquired direct-to-fan music platform Bandcamp from Epic Games. Songtradr said it will continue to operate Bandcamp as an artist-first marketplace and plans to leverage Bandcamp's catalogue and artist relationships to expand its music licensing, distribution and creator services.

  • Buyer
    Cinespace Studios
    Target
    EUE/Screen Gems (Atlanta studio campus), EUE/Screen Gems (Wilmington studio campus)
    Seller
    EUE/Screen Gems, Ltd, Cooney family
    Location
    United States
    Type
    Buyout

    Cinespace Studios has acquired the EUE/Screen Gems studio campuses in Atlanta, Georgia and Wilmington, North Carolina, expanding its global production footprint. The two facilities will operate as Cinespace Atlanta and Cinespace Wilmington, adding significant soundstage capacity and production support to Cinespace’s existing network.

  • September 25, 2023
    Buyer
    beehiiv
    Target
    Swapstack
    Seller
    Swapstack investors
    Location
    United States
    Type
    Buyout

    Newsletter platform beehiiv has acquired ad-tech company Swapstack, adding Swapstack's technology and talent to accelerate beehiiv's ad network and creator monetization offerings. The deal brings two of Swapstack's four employees into beehiiv; financial terms were not disclosed.

  • September 25, 2023
    Buyer
    AVFX, LLC, Harbor Beach Capital, LLC
    Target
    AV Matters
    Type
    Addon

    AVFX, a Boston- and Denver-based audio visual production company backed by Harbor Beach Capital, has acquired Orlando-based AV Matters to expand its presence in the Southeast. The deal is the third acquisition under AVFX's partnership with Harbor Beach Capital and supports a strategy to build a national events production platform through selective add-ons and geographic expansion.

  • Buyer
    Forbes Holdings
    Target
    Forbes Global Holdings
    Seller
    Integrated Whale Media Investments (IWM)
    Location
    United States
    Type
    Buyout

    Austin Russell’s Forbes Holdings (controlled by Russell with 82% interest) announced that financing for its approximately $800 million acquisition of Forbes Global Holdings from Hong Kong-based Integrated Whale Media Investments (IWM) is now substantially oversubscribed, with over $2 billion in demand. The parties plan a transition of ownership and control of Forbes from Hong Kong back to the United States, with final investor allocations to be decided ahead of a scheduled close later in 2023.

  • Buyer
    ZetaDisplay AB (publ)
    Target
    Peakmedia digital signage GmbH
    Location
    Tyrol, Austria
    Type
    Buyout

    ZetaDisplay AB (publ) has acquired Austrian digital signage integrator Peakmedia digital signage GmbH to strengthen its presence in the DACH region and broader European markets. The deal, funded through ZetaDisplay's existing debt facilities, adds ~9,000 licensed installations and a team of over 20 employees to the group and is expected to be accretive to EBITDA.

  • Buyer
    Concord
    Target
    Mojo Music & Media
    Seller
    Mojo Music & Media

    Concord has acquired the music publishing catalog of Mojo Music & Media, adding more than 30,000 songs — including works by REO Speedwagon, KISS and Cheap Trick — to its publishing portfolio. The deal expands Concord's catalog and follows Concord's broader strategic accumulation of publishing assets and recent bid activity in the music-rights market.

  • Buyer
    Wasserman
    Target
    Brillstein Entertainment Partners
    Type
    Buyout

    Wasserman has acquired Brillstein Entertainment Partners, bringing the legendary talent management and production firm into Wasserman's global sports, music and entertainment platform. The deal expands Wasserman's capabilities in talent management, content creation and production while Brillstein's leadership and staff will continue to operate under the Wasserman umbrella.

  • Buyer
    Bluestone Equity Partners
    Target
    RWS Global

    Bluestone Equity Partners made a minority growth equity investment in RWS Global, the world's largest provider of live shows, destinations and immersive experiences. The capital will support RWS Global's continued global expansion and scaling of its creative, production and operational capabilities; Bluestone will take two seats on the company's board.

  • Buyer
    H.I.G. Capital
    Target
    RBmedia
    Seller
    KKR
    Type
    Buyout

    H.I.G. Capital, via an affiliate, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire RBmedia, the audiobook publisher, from KKR. RBmedia’s management team will continue to lead the business and remain shareholders, while all RBmedia employees are set to receive cash payouts upon closing.

  • Buyer
    Clearlake Capital Group, L.P., Charlesbank Capital Partners, Fortress Investment Group LLC (funds managed by affiliates)
    Target
    LEARFIELD

    LEARFIELD closed a comprehensive deleveraging and recapitalization transaction that reduced its outstanding debt by over $600 million and secured $150 million of new equity. The company's majority ownership is now comprised of lead capital providers Clearlake Capital Group, Charlesbank Capital Partners, and funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group, strengthening LEARFIELD’s balance sheet and funding continued growth across its media and technology businesses serving college athletics.

  • Buyer
    ZMC Management
    Target
    InProduction
    Seller
    Dubin Clark
    Type
    Buyout

    Affiliates of private equity firm ZMC have acquired InProduction, a U.S. provider of temporary seating, staging, structures, and scenic production, from Dubin Clark. The acquisition positions ZMC to accelerate InProduction’s growth organically and via add-on acquisitions, leveraging the company’s event-production capabilities and national footprint.

  • Buyer
    Exceleration Music
    Target
    Redeye, Yep Roc, Sundazed, Riff City Sounds
    Seller
    Glenn Dicker, Tor Hansen
    Type
    Buyout

    Exceleration Music has acquired Redeye, the US-based digital and physical distribution and music services company, in a deal that also includes Redeye’s in-house labels Yep Roc and Sundazed and publishing company Riff City Sounds. Redeye founders Glenn Dicker and Tor Hansen remain shareholders and will continue to lead the business, while Exceleration provides additional resources to expand distribution, label and publishing services globally.

  • Buyer
    Artémis
    Target
    Creative Artists Agency (CAA)
    Seller
    TPG
    Type
    Buyout

    Artémis, the Pinault family’s investment company, has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Creative Artists Agency (CAA) from TPG. CAA’s current leadership — Bryan Lourd, Kevin Huvane and Richard Lovett — will remain as Co-Chairmen, with Lourd expected to become CEO; Temasek will remain a minority investor and CMC Capital will remain a strategic partner.

  • Buyer
    Hemisphere Media Group
    Target
    WKAQ AM, KQ105 FM
    Seller
    TelevisaUnivision
    Location
    Puerto Rico, United States
    Type
    Buyout

    Hemisphere Media Group completed its acquisition of radio stations WKAQ AM and KQ105 FM from TelevisaUnivision and concurrently launched a new multiplatform company, WAPA Media. The deal expands Hemisphere's Puerto Rico footprint by integrating top-rated radio assets with its leading TV, digital and live-events businesses to offer advertisers a unified, cross-platform offering.

Full Export

Purchase this data

Get the full acquisitions list for this page as CSV + XLSX.

Build a buyer list for your Media & Entertainment deal

Find buyers actively acquiring media & entertainment companies.

Apply as a Buyer

Related Acquisition Pages