TAG, a leader in travel and event management, secures a major investment from ECI Partners.
- ECI Partners acquires over 60% of TAG, marking a significant private equity transition.
- TAG’s strategic growth focuses on expanding its bespoke services in global entertainment and corporate travel.
- Past acquisitions by TAG under Apiary Capital showcase its robust expansion strategy.
- Key stakeholders express optimism for TAG’s future, emphasising innovation and client service.
TAG, a prominent entertainment and corporate travel management company, has successfully attracted a substantial investment from ECI Partners. ECI Partners, a mid-market private equity firm, now holds over 60% of TAG, transitioning ownership from Apiary Capital, who supported TAG since 2018. This change signals a promising new chapter for TAG, focused on expanding its bespoke offerings on a global scale.
ECI Partners, advised by Clearwater UK, identified strategic opportunities in TAG’s growth potential. TAG, known for its bespoke services to high-profile clients in music, film, and television production, has plans to broaden its platform further. This acquisition aligns with ECI’s history of investments in the travel sector, including companies such as Travel Chapter and Reed & Mackay.
During Apiary’s ownership, TAG expanded significantly, undertaking eight acquisitions, including recent purchases like Nashville-based Travel Stars and California’s Atlantis Travel. These strategic moves have strengthened TAG’s position in the entertainment and corporate travel industry, providing specialised services to world-renowned clients.
TAG CEO, Jens Penny, remarked, “Today is a fantastic milestone in our evolution, as we proudly announce the investment by ECI.” Penny highlighted the benefits and opportunities this partnership promises, emphasising the potential for enhanced services and continued growth in entertainment and high-end corporate travel management.
ECI partner George Moss expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, citing ECI’s experience in travel industry investments as a catalyst for TAG’s future growth. “We are excited to be partnering with TAG,” Moss stated, “and leveraging ECI’s experience to propel this global leader to new heights in the global entertainment and corporate travel markets.”
Mark Salter of Apiary Capital reflected on TAG’s remarkable growth under their tenure and endorsed ECI as the right partner for future expansion. “We are incredibly proud to have been part of the amazing journey,” Salter said, acknowledging the team’s success in doubling the business’s size and expanding into new geographies.
The investment from ECI Partners marks a pivotal moment in TAG’s journey towards enhanced global presence and service innovation.
