CVC invests in volleyball federation FIVB

A source close to the situation told Unquote that the deal came about via proprietary discussions between CVC and FIVB, since the federation was looking for a partner in the next stage of its growth.

The deal is valued at around $300m, according to a report from Sky News. The same source confirmed to Unquote that this figure is broadly accurate, adding that the deal is not leveraged.

The investment will be used to launch a new partnership called Volleyball World, in which FIVB will own a majority stake, according to a statement. Volleyball World will become the global commercial entity for the organisation and will organise the commercial operation of events including the Volleyball Nations League and volleyball in the Olympic Games.

Finn Taylor will be appointed as CEO of Volleyball World, joining from his previous position as the head of Cirque du Soleil's global touring business. Former FIVB secretary general Fernando Lima will chair the organisation's board.

The GP is deploying equity via CVC Capital Partners Fund VII. The vehicle held a final close in June 2017 on €15.5bn and makes investments of around €100m-1bn, with a sweet spot of €300-500m.

The vehicle also invested in the English Rugby Premiership in December 2018, investing around £200m for a 27% stake.

Company
Founded in 1947 and headquartered in Lausanne, FIVB is the governing body of volleyball around the world. The organisation runs competitions and is also responsible for marketing and development of the sport. According to LinkedIn, the organisation employs 175 staff.

People
Fédération Internationale de Volleyball – Ary Graça (president).
CVC Capital Partners – Nick Clarry (head of sports, media and entertainment).

• Tweet  
• Facebook  
• LinkedIn  
• Google plus  
• Send to  

• Topics
• Expansion
• DACH
• Consumer
• Switzerland
• CVC Capital Partners