Andile Gumbi as “Simba” Photo by Johan Persson
ECI Partners, the growth-focused UK mid-market private equity firm, is delighted to announce that it has invested in Encore Tickets Group, the leading multi-channel ticket aggregator focused on the West End theatre market, in a secondary buyout. The details of the transaction are not being disclosed.
Encore’s unparalleled breadth of distribution channels enable the company to reach a diverse customer base including both UK theatregoers and overseas visitors to London. Encore operates both B2B and B2C distribution models, as well as enabling consumers to book in either an online or offline environment.
Encore sells one in five West End theatre tickets, and now employs 200 staff from its London headquarters to support its rapidly expanding operations.
Significant investment in its technology platform and operations has allowed the company to build a strong platform for future growth. In 2011, Encore made the strategic acquisition of West End Theatre Bookings, significantly boosting its staff and market share and successfully launched the B2C website www.theatrepeople.com.
Encore plans to continue its strong growth, with further investment in technologies, increasing the product portfolio and pro-active sales & distribution that will further cement its market leading position. West End theatre continues to be buoyant and with more anticipated blockbusters such as Miss Saigon opening soon, 2014 promises to be another record year.
Encore will be ECI’s twelfth investment in its latest buyout fund, ECI 9, and the fourth in the past 12 months following earlier investments in Citation and Great Rail Journeys.
“ECI have impressive credentials for investing in growth-focused companies. We are delighted to have their support and we look forward to working with their team as Encore embarks on the next stage of its expansion.” John Wales CEO and founder of Encore
“ECI has a strong track record in partnering with high growth e-commerce companies, having previously invested in car rental aggregator CarTrawler and hotels reservation website LateRooms.com. Encore is a pioneer in the online tickets market, and already has a leading share of the market. We are excited about the potential for continued growth at Encore, and look forward to working with John and his team.” George Moss Investment Director at ECI
