Arena Group Partners With SIP and MML Capital To Fund Global Expansion

Sports event infrastructure and design company, Arena Group has completed a new equity fundraising of £16.5 million in a partnership deal with specialist sports fund, Sports Investment Partners (SIP) and growth capital investor, MML Capital.

The two investing companies will together take a significant minority stake in the international event services company, supporting the existing management structure with its plans to develop the global business. 

Arena Group CEO Greg Lawless plans to use this new investment as a catalyst for further global expansion. Says Mr Lawless, “It gives us great flexibility at a time when we are looking to expand beyond our current bases in the UK, Portugal, Abu Dhabi, Singapore and Dubai to reach excellent new opportunities in the Far East .”

The deal provides Arena with both equity and expertise as Matthew Wheeler, a senior figure in the sports marketing industry and Managing Partner of SIP, takes over as Chairman. A former professional cricketer with Northants CCC, Wheeler also sits on the board of the Professional Cricket Association as a non executive director. He has chaired six private equity-backed businesses in the sports and media sector in the past ten years, from investment through to exit.

Bal Johal and Luke Jones led the deal for MML who are taking a significant minority interest. Bal joins the Arena board and comments, “In Arena we quickly recognised an essential and high quality service, led by a strong management team in a fast growing sector. The way this has come together, with SIP’s support and involvement, makes this a very exciting opportunity.”

Confirms  Mr Lawless, “Arena will be looking to leverage both investment partners’ significant experience and expertise to help develop and deliver ambitious international growth strategies for our business.”

Alongside Matthew Wheeler, Arena’s new armoury of industry expertise includes Sir Martin Broughton, who as former Chairman of Liverpool FC oversaw its sale to New England Sports Ventures for £300m.  John Connolly, former Global Chairman of Deloitte and Senior Partner and Chief Executive of Deloitte UK is another of five SIP Managing Partners.

Sports law firm Couchmans LLP advised Sports Investment Partners LLP, on its investment in Arena Group.