CVC buys 60% stake in Stage Entertainment

Having founded the business in 1998 after the carve out of Endemol's live entertainment operations, van de Ende will retain a 40% stake in Stage.

Under CVC's ownership, the business aims to double its current audience levels to reach 20 million. Stage plans to expand into new markets and bolster its activity in the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, the UK, Russia and the US, where it is already present.

CVC's acquisition comes three weeks after the buyout house picked up German beauty product retailer Douglas from Advent International. Understood to value the company around the €2.8bn mark, the SBO put an end to Douglas's IPO plans.

Company
Stage was founded in 1998 following Joop van de Ende's acquisition of Endemol's live entertainment business. The company produces 40 musicals a year including the Lion King, Mamma Mia! and Les Misérables, claiming an average total of 10 million theatre-goers each year.

Headquartered in Amsterdam, the business operates a network of 20 theatres and employs 3,500 staff in eight countries. Stage most recently reported €500m in turnover.

People
Partner Ivo Lurvink led the deal on behalf of CVC Capital Partners. Joop van den Ende is Stage Entertainment's founder and co-chairperson.

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• Topics
• Benelux
• Buyouts
• Consumer
• Netherlands
• CVC Capital Partners