RWS Global, the Leader in Live Moments, Establishes Global
Sports Division, RWS Global Sports
NEW YORK, May 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RWS Global, the
world leader in live moments, today announced the acquisition of
Great Big Events (GBE), a leading sports event production company
known for its work on the world's biggest sporting events. Past
credits include over 100 World Championships, World Cups, Olympic,
Paralympic, Commonwealth and multi-sport Games. As a result of this
transaction, the company is launching RWS Global Sports, a new
division of RWS Global that will provide an unrivaled,
comprehensive range of offerings, including venue design,
entertainment, sports production, merchandise and more. The new RWS
Global Sports division will serve as a one-of-a-kind solution for
clients, offering best-in-class, end-to-end live experiential
offerings for audiences worldwide.
"This exciting acquisition redefines the possibilities for
integrated, live sports and entertainment experiences on a global
scale and propels us into a new realm of innovation and
creativity," said Ryan Stana,
Chairman and CEO of RWS Global. "Fusing together our teams,
resources and talent strengthens our position as leaders in the
live experiential sector and allows us to deliver unprecedented
live sports and entertainment experiences for our clients and their
audiences across the globe."
GBE co-founder Kim Henshaw will
join and lead the RWS Global Sports division, bringing extensive
industry expertise and knowledge that will be invaluable as RWS
Global continues to expand its presence in the live entertainment
and sporting events market. This acquisition represents an
incredible opportunity for growth and innovation.
"We are thrilled to be joining forces with RWS Global and
excited about the endless possibilities ahead," said Kim Henshaw
EVP, RWS Global Sports. "With our combined expertise, we will
develop unparalleled live sports experiences and set a new standard
for the industry. Today marks the beginning of an incredible
journey, and we can't wait to showcase the innovative and
groundbreaking work we will achieve together with RWS Global."
This acquisition follows the previously announced strategic
investment from RWS Global's first institutional investor,
Bluestone Equity Partners, a private equity firm with diverse
sports and entertainment assets. The investment will support the
new RWS Global Sports division in delivering revolutionary viewer
experiences across major upcoming international events over the
next three years with ambitious plans for further global
expansion.
"We have long believed in the significant growth opportunity for
RWS Global across new sectors. This announcement is a natural
evolution for the RWS Global portfolio, further cementing its
position as the leader in global live entertainment," added
Bobby Sharma, Founder & Managing
Partner, Bluestone Equity.
Additionally, the deal sees RWS Global strategically expanding
its digital capabilities with the acquisition of GBE's suite of fan
engagement apps, including Ultimate Fan App and Anywhere Live,
along with the integrated software system, PV4. This portfolio of
interactive event apps and software further enables RWS Global to
deliver connected, dynamic experiences across major global sporting
events.
RWS Global is establishing an office in Sydney, its fourth global hub, complementing
existing locations in New York,
London and Cincinnati. The RWS Global team now comprises
more than 300 full-time employees and engages over 8,000 seasonal
talents annually. For more information about RWS Global and their
services, please visit their website at www.rwsglobal.com.
About RWS Global
As the world's largest producer of
groundbreaking live entertainment, RWS Global creates meaningful
connections and customized experiences spanning from theatrical
productions to events, multimedia and more. In 2024, the
entertainment leaders expanded capabilities into live sporting
events with the introduction of RWS Global Sports.
Headquartered in New York,
London, Cincinnati and Sydney with dedicated RWS Studios in NYC and
the UK to serve its vast talent pipeline and client base, RWS
Global serves major brands and corporations, theatres, cruise
lines, sports properties, live venues, parks, resorts and more.
Offering end-to-end services from ideation to operations, RWS
Global's team of world-class designers, creators, producers and
visionary talent provide unrivaled scale, producing over one
million live moments every day and employing over 8,000 individuals
worldwide.
The RWS Global roster of clients includes Apple, Azamara, The
Coca-Cola Company, Commonwealth Games, Crayola, Europa-Park Resort,
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, The FRIENDS™ Experience by Original X
Productions, Hard Rock Resorts, Hershey Entertainment &
Resorts, Holland America Line, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts,
International Cricket Council, Invictus Games, Lionsgate, Marella
Cruises, MSC Cruises, Roompot, Rugby World Cup, Six Flags, Space
Center Houston, TUI Group, Vera
Wang, Warner Bros., Disney's The Lion King on Broadway,
Chicago the Musical, Christmas
Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes and more. For more
information, visit rwsglobal.com.
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