#USA #Las Vegas #Event Industry #Truelink Capital #GES

GES Concludes Sale to Truelink Capital

On December 31, 2024, GES, a prominent player in the global exhibition and events sector, confirmed the successful completion of its sale by Viad Corp to Truelink Capital, a private equity firm based in Los Angeles. This significant transaction is set to enable GES to operate as an independent company within the Truelink portfolio, effectively accelerating its growth trajectory.

Derek Linde, the Chief Executive Officer of GES, expressed enthusiasm about starting a new chapter with Truelink in 2025. He noted that GES is poised for growth as a standalone entity and that their talented team has been known for delivering exceptional event experiences internationally in 2024. The partnership is expected to enhance GES's capacity to accelerate innovations and maintain its position as a leading provider of experiential events.

With over 2,600 skilled employees and established relationships with global partners, GES has a robust history of supporting world-leading brands in various industries, including healthcare, aerospace, defense, financial services, manufacturing, technology, and retail. Their capabilities extend across exhibition management, event marketing, and logistical support, making them a versatile player in the industry.

Luke Myers, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Truelink, indicated that the firm is eager to collaborate with Derek and his executive team to fortify GES's status as a market leader. Truelink intends to make strategic investments that will enhance GES’s strengths in areas such as creative design, logistics, event production, and technology-driven offerings. This collaboration aims to broaden GES's international reach from day one.

The sale marks a significant transition for GES, and the management team is committed to leveraging Truelink’s resources and guidance to realize the company’s full potential. Over the decades, GES has redefined the event experience, focusing on innovative solutions that create meaningful customer engagements and positively impact business outcomes.

About GES

GES is a leading global provider of exhibition and experiential marketing services for event organizers and brand marketers. The company assists clients in engaging their audiences and enhancing customer experiences through comprehensive solutions that encompass exhibition, event strategy, creativity, management, accommodation, meeting planning and logistics, as well as registration and engagement solutions. GES operates through a dynamic collective of industry-leading companies, including GES Exhibitions, Spiro, onPeak, SHOWTECH, and Visit, all of which specialize in various facets of experiential marketing. By working strategically with brands and event organizers, GES transforms business objectives into extraordinary experiences that foster strong customer relationships and drive significant results.

About Truelink Capital

Truelink Capital is a mid-market private equity firm based in Los Angeles. The company combines extensive industry expertise in both industrial and technology-driven services with a commitment to building partnerships that create long-term value through operationally-oriented strategies. Truelink collaborates with management teams, corporate sellers, and founders to accelerate growth through strategic initiatives and transformative acquisitions.

For more information about GES, visit www.ges.com, www.thisisspiro.com, www.onpeak.com, www.showtech.ca, and www.visitcloud.com.