TAIT (formerly known as TAIT Towers), the market leader in designing, developing, and operating live event solutions for the entertainment industry, announced today an investment from funds advised by Providence Equity Partners, a premier private equity firm that specializes in the media, communications, education and information industries. TAIT CEO & President James “Winky” Fairorth and Chief Creative Officer Adam Davis will remain significant shareholders alongside Providence. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Since 1978, TAIT has been a leading provider of advanced creative and engineering solutions to the live entertainment industry. TAIT is one of the only companies of scale that provides an end-to-end solution to design, construct, manufacture and operate custom-built concert touring and permanent installation experiences. TAIT has worked on 17 of the top 20 highest grossing concert tours of all time and has a diverse and iconic client base including The Rolling Stones, U2, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, Disney, Universal, Cirque du Soleil and Nike.
TAIT also has a robust IP portfolio with more than 80 patents in technology and design. The company utilizes TAIT Navigator, a proprietary automation and show control platform that provides critical functionality to live productions and powers the majority of the company’s projects. The platform’s hardware and software products control machinery, lighting, audio, pyro, fountains and other special effects.
James “Winky” Fairorth, President & CEO of TAIT, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Providence to help take us through our next phase of growth. The firm has an impressive track record of investing in businesses that deliver world-class events and experiences. This growth equity investment is a testament to the breadth and depth of TAIT’s talented team and unique culture of excellence, which have advanced industry standards and exceeded client expectations for over 40 years.”
Adam Davis, Chief Creative Officer at TAIT, said: “Providence is the ideal partner to help us accelerate our growth initiatives and strengthen our market position. We are proud to be a part of the Providence family and look forward to working with them to expand our offering for artists, entertainment companies and corporate brands that consistently turn to TAIT for spectacular live experiences.”
Scott Marimow, Managing Director at Providence, said: “TAIT is regarded as the gold standard in the industry for its differentiated capabilities, global presence, client relationships and track record of delivering the finest live event solutions in the world. The company is also well positioned for sustainable growth from strong, secular trends, as artists, entertainment concepts and brands are spending more on live events and production quality to create memorable experiences that drive heightened consumer engagement and sharing across social media. We are excited to partner with such a passionate management team and look forward to working together.”
Providence has over two decades of experience investing in and creating lasting value at a wide range of live event-based companies. Current and previous investments consist of Ambassador Theatre Group, Learfield, Major League Soccer, Superstruct, Topgolf, Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network, European Media Partnership and World Triathlon Corporation (Ironman).
Michael Dominguez, Managing Director at Providence, said: “Over the past four decades, TAIT has grown to become an industry leader. We feel fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with an outstanding team in order to accelerate the company’s growth and further invest in its vast IP portfolio and technological capabilities, which are applicable across multiple client types and end markets. Our investment in TAIT is a great fit with Providence’s growing portfolio of category-leading businesses focused on live, out-of-home events and experiences that are highly valued in an increasingly digital world, and that continue to benefit from attractive underlying consumer trends.”
Evercore served as TAIT’s financial advisor and Pepper Hamilton LLP served as legal advisor to TAIT. Lazard served as Providence’s financial advisor and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP served as legal advisor to Providence.
About TAIT
TAIT is the World Market Leader in designing, constructing and delivering the finest live event solutions in the world. Whether it’s creating awe-inspiring spectaculars, complex touring stages, theatre engineering solutions, brand activations or cruise ship installations, TAIT delivers world-class solutions for live experiences. With its proprietary entertainment automation platform, custom-made products, and creative engineering, TAIT’s cutting-edge offerings continue to advance industry standards and exceed client expectations. As a global network of over 600 employees in 12 office locations, TAIT has worked on projects in over 30 countries, all 7 continents and even outer space. TAIT’s diverse group of clients include Taylor Swift, Cirque Du Soleil, The Metropolitan Opera House, NASA, National Geographic, Beyoncé and The Olympics.
About Providence Equity Partners
Providence is a premier global asset management firm with approximately $40 billion in aggregate capital commitments. Providence pioneered a sector-focused approach to private equity investing with the vision that a dedicated team of industry experts could build exceptional companies of enduring value. Since the firm’s inception in 1989, Providence has invested in more than 180 companies and has become a leading equity investment firm focused on the media, communications, education and information industries. Providence is headquartered in Providence, RI, and also has offices in New York and London. For more information, please visit www.provequity.com.
