IAAPA Announces Global Partnership with Private Equity Firm
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(eap) As IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) recently announced, the international industry association has entered into a new global partnership with the private equity and M&A advisory firm Expression Capital Partners LLP. The aim of the collaboration is to strengthen the long-term success, financial stability, and innovation capacity of IAAPA members worldwide.
Under the terms of the agreement, Expression Capital Partners will act as IAAPA’s exclusive private equity and M&A advisory partner and, at the same time, as a Platinum Sponsor of all IAAPA Expos. The company, founded in 2024 and based in London, is set to support owners, developers, and operators of leisure attractions around the world with financial expertise, investment resources, and strategic advice. According to the announcement, Expression Capital Partners – authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority – maintains a close connection to the leisure and entertainment industry. Unlike traditional private equity firms, a large proportion of the company’s founders have experience in the development, operation, financing, and innovating of attractions, within the hospitality sector, as well as in live entertainment.
IAAPA President and CEO Jakob Wahl explains: “[…] Their multigenerational expertise and deep understanding of our industry bring tremendous value to IAAPA members. This partnership opens the door for members to access high-level investment guidance, strategic financial support, and opportunities to bring bold ideas to life. We look forward to working together to strengthen and advance the attractions industry worldwide.” Elliot Hall, a founding partner at Expression Capital Partners LLP, shares the company’s vision for supporting the global attractions community: “[…] With decades of experience in the entertainment industry, our team understands this sector in a unique way. Whether members are looking to invest, raise capital, bring a new concept to life, or navigate a buy, sell, or merge opportunity, we’re here as a trusted resource to support long-term growth across the attractions industry.”
Through the partnership, IAAPA members are said to gain, among other things, direct access to specialized investment expertise, support with complex transactions, and opportunities to explore strategic investments, including Limited Partner (LP) investments. In addition, advisory services for new concepts are envisaged, aimed at developing them into viable, fully financed projects. This is to be complemented by the expansion of global financial networks, from which companies of all sizes could benefit, as stated. ■
