Activeon Acquires Airtastic and Funky Monkeys in Ireland & UK
With the acquisition of Airtastic and Funky Monkeys, Activeon is further expanding its presence in the Irish leisure market.
(eap) Norwegian leisure operator Activeon has announced the acquisition of Airtastic and Funky Monkeys, adding ten family entertainment venues across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain to its portfolio. Together with its three existing Jump Zone parks in Dublin, the group will now operate eleven venues on the island of Ireland, making it one of the country’s largest family entertainment operators, according to the company. As part of the acquisition, Activeon plans to invest in upgrading the existing venues, introducing new attractions from its European portfolio and exploring further expansion opportunities in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
“Our Jump Zone parks in Dublin have shown us how strong the demand for active family leisure is in Ireland, and we are excited to now take the next step,” says John Nylen, CEO of Activeon. “Airtastic and Funky Monkeys are much-loved by local families, run by committed teams and offer real variety on every visit. Together with Jump Zone, they give us a platform to grow across the whole island.”
Airtastic operates six family entertainment venues in Bangor, Craigavon, Newtownabbey, Lisburn, Cork and Celbridge, offering activities ranging from bowling, crazy golf and laser tag to arcade games and soft play. Funky Monkeys operates four indoor soft play centres in Clarehall, Dundonald, Newport and West Bromwich. Both businesses will continue to operate under their existing brands, with all venue teams remaining in place. The founding directors will also support the transition during an initial period.
“We have built Airtastic and Funky Monkeys into places where families and friends come back again and again,” says Henry Moore, Co-Founder of Airtastic and Funky Monkeys. “Joining Activeon gives the business the backing and experience to keep improving what we offer and to reach more communities.”
Thomas Fegan, who has served as Business Operations Director at Airtastic for the past five years, will take over the leadership of Airtastic and Funky Monkeys and oversee their integration into the Activeon Group. “Airtastic and Funky Monkeys have fantastic teams and loyal customers, and I’m delighted to be leading the business into its next chapter as part of Activeon,” says Fegan. “We will keep what our guests love, while bringing in new attractions and investment from across the group.”
Following the acquisition, Activeon’s European network has grown to a total of 89 leisure and activity venues and 18 padel centres across nine European countries. The group’s portfolio comprises a range of concepts in active entertainment, social entertainment and indoor leisure. ■
