Phoenix Equity Partners ("Phoenix"), a leading UK middle-market private equity firm, today announces its investment in CloserStill, a leading business-to-business exhibition organiser, in a transaction which values the business at c. £25 million. This is the sixth investment from Phoenix’s £450 million fund, which was raised in 2010.
Phoenix is backing the existing management team of CloserStill, led by Andy Center (CEO).
Phoenix’s investment marks an exciting new phase in CloserStill’s development. This new capital will enable the company to accelerate its growth by expanding internationally, launching new shows and making acquisitions.
CloserStill has delivered substantial growth over the last three years, both in its organic business and acquired brands. The company has a portfolio of ten major exhibitions in the UK, principally in the healthcare and technology sectors, including the London Vet Show, the Pharmacy Show, the Dentistry Show, Learning Technologies, nextgen, and the recently launched, Clinical Pharmacy Congress. The company has just announced its first international event, France Vet, which takes place in Paris next year.