Providence Equity Partners Buys George Little Management for $173 Million
August 22, 2011
Private equity firm Providence Equity Partners has acquired George Little Management for $173 million from the Daily Mail and General Trust, parent company of dmg world media.
The acquisition will be made through a new holding company headed by Charles G. McCurdy, who previously was CEO of Canon Communications.
The Jordan, Edmiston Group, Inc. handled the sale for DMGT, and the sale is expected to close by the end of September, pending customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.
“GLM has a proven track record in exceeding the expectations of exhibitors and attendees with high-quality, customer-focused events,” said Michael J. Dominguez, a managing director at Providence.
He added, “We believe there are significant opportunities to grow GLM’s tradeshow brands in the U.S. and internationally both organically and through acquisition, as well as to develop exciting new digital and data services.”
Dominquez also said the company already has a talented senior management team and the addition of McCurdy, who has more than 30 years of experience in managing and investing in niche media, information and education companies, will make it even stronger.
“I’m thrilled to partner with Providence as it acquires this top tier, world-class company," McCurdy said. “GLM’s presence in the growing business-to-retailer space has few rivals in the international tradeshow industry.”
He added, “With the help of Providence and the dedicated GLM team, we will seek to take GLM to the next level while identifying additional opportunities to expand our platform in the dynamic tradeshow space.”
Alan E. Steel, president of GLM, said, “This is a compelling transaction that will allow GLM to benefit from the additional resources and expertise provided by Providence as we seek to further expand our product offerings and accelerate growth. We look forward to working with Charlie and Providence in the future.”
GLM currently produces 15 tradeshows, including the biennial New York International Gift Fair, and also serves industries such as social stationery, home textiles, tabletop, gourmet housewares, contemporary furniture, personal care, art & design, antique jewelry, beach, board sports, fashion and hospitality.
The NYIGF’s summer and winter editions were both ranked on the 2010 TSNN Top 250 Trade Show List, Nos. 26 and 29, respectively, as well as some of GLM’s other shows, including the National Stationery Show (No. 171), the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (No. 163) and Surf Expo winter and summer, Nos. 105 and 121, respectively.
Annually, GLM’s events highlight approximately 11,000 exhibitors in 1.8 million net square feet of exhibit space and attract approximately 150,000 attendees, according to GLM officials.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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