Arena Events Group plc completes acquisition of Sheffield's Events Solution Limited

Arena Events Group plc, the London-headquartered events company, has acquired Sheffield-based Events Solution Limited from its remaining co-founder Richard Herberts.

Established 20 years ago, Events Solution provides equipment including pedestrian, front of stage and Metropolitan Police barriers, gantries and fencing for high profile events, such as the London Marathon.

This product offer complements Arena’s Mass Participation division and has synergies with its structures, seating and scaffolding capabilities.

James Wood, Events Solution’s current managing director will continue in the same role at the new company, with all 10 staff retained.

Richard Herberts said: “I was flattered to receive the offer from Arena Events Group, as it is a major player and extremely well-respected within the industry. The approach was very timely as we have invested heavily in the company over the last two years which has led to impressive growth.

“The sale will also enable me to provide further investment in my other company, RDS Transport, a chilled and frozen distribution company with a fleet of 50 vehicles operating across the UK.”

Legal advice to Mr Herberts was provided by the Lupton Fawcett LLP Sheffield Corporate Team led by corporate partner Neil Large, with accounting and tax support from Kevin Parkes of Landin Wilcock Accountants in Sheffield.

Banking support was provided by Handelsbank in Rotherham.

Grahame Muir, Arena UK & Europe CEO, commented: “Our business strategy is to provide a comprehensive suite of services to event organisers. Events Solution Ltd is a very well run and invested business and one we believe has significant growth opportunities.

“Having a new northern base works strategically very well and we aim to replicate this at our Cambridgeshire hub next year.

“Building on this years’ recent acquisition of furniture specialist hire companies, GLD and portable refrigeration supplier Ice House Rentals, the addition of Events Solution Ltd adds yet another in-house capability to Arena Events Group.

“As a leader in the events market, we hope this acquisition will further solidify our position as the business that can provide the highest quality turnkey service to those who choose to use us.”

James Wood, Events Solution Ltd managing director, also added: “Events Solution Ltd has established a phenomenal array of clients ranging from film premieres in Leicester Square to mass participation events to national music tours and festivals.

“Joining the Arena Group will give us the resources and extended client network to continue growing our client portfolio in line with our ambitions. Myself and the team are very excited about a strong future as part of Arena.”

Neil Large concluded: “It’s always great to work with Richard as this is the second corporate deal we have done for him. Arena is taking over a quality business in tip top condition.

“Richard has had tremendous success in building up the operations of Events Solution Ltd but the exit will now enable him to focus all his time and energy on his other business, RDS Transport Ltd, which is also going through rapid growth and expansion.”

Acting for Arena Events Group was law firm, Pinsent Masons.

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