Bruin Sports Capital (Bruin) today announced an agreement with Quadrant Private Equity (Quadrant) to become a co-shareholder of TGI Sport (TGI), a global sports technology, media and marketing company, to strengthen the international expansion, distribution and commercial growth of the company. As part of the deal, subject to regulatory approval, Barclay Nettlefold will transition from CEO of QMS Media Group to CEO of TGI Sport Global upon closing of the deal.
The new partnership will build on TGI’s dramatic growth, adding Bruin’s strategic skills, capital and resources to diversify and expand globally. It follows a series of acquisitions over the past two years that have transformed TGI into a premier, technology-driven sports company. TGI’s advertising and broadcast technologies are ubiquitous in some of the world’s most prestigious sporting venues and sporting events, including UEFA, La Liga, NRL, MLS, England Cricket, New Zealand Rugby, Concacaf and CONMEBOL.
TGI’s Parallel Ads (PADS) broadcast technology continues to revolutionize the way broadcasters and sports bodies can segment and regionalize perimeter LED advertising, unlocking new revenue streams and delivering greater appeal and value to viewers. advertisers, rights holders and sponsors. PADS is used on four continents by organizations such as MLS, NZ Rugby, Liga MX, AS Monaco FC and many other leading sports organisations.
TGI’s LED technology solutions are complemented by a fully integrated, industry-leading sports marketing services offering in Australia, New Zealand and the UK, which includes talent management, merchandising, consulting, media, event management, content and communications.
Bruin Founder and CEO George Pyne said Quadrant and TGI’s growth, ability to adapt and complementary portfolio make them the perfect partner to expand Bruin’s leadership into new and existing markets.
“TGI is precisely the type of company we are looking for at Bruin. Quadrant, Barclay and the management team are progressive, innovative and understand how to create value for partners in the new sports and entertainment ecosystem.”
“The team has tremendous momentum and we are proud that they have chosen Bruin to help accelerate the company’s progress. We are excited to help bring their technology, capabilities and talent to the forefront of the market on a much larger global scale.”
Jonathon Pearce, managing partner of Quadrant and president of QMS Group, said Bruin’s track record of building global sports and entertainment businesses makes him the ideal partner to maximize TGI’s potential.
“We set out to create a state-of-the-art sports media business. With the technology in place and already presenting significant opportunities, partnering with George and the Bruin team provides TGI with a highly qualified partner to ensure that the company can reach its full potential.”
As part of the partnership, Barclay Nettlefold, CEO and Founder of QMS Group, will assume the new role of Global CEO of TGI Sport and lead the new company on an ambitious growth path to become the global leader in technology and sports. . Over the past two years, Mr. Nettlefold has been instrumental in developing investments and partnerships in the sports, media and technology spheres that have become the bedrock of TGI.
Commenting on the strategic agreement, Mr. Nettlefold said: “We searched the world for the right cultural partner to help us execute our strategic vision for TGI. George and his team at Bruin are true professionals who have able to build trust, respect and relationships in the world of sport, which makes them the ideal partner to continue our trajectory with the right investment and reflection to create a true global force.
“The world we live in is changing rapidly, but sport remains a real connection for the public and I look forward to continuing our momentum and guiding the future evolution of society.”
Bruin Sports CapitalUEFAPrivate Equity Quadrant
About Bruin Sports Capital: Bruin Sports Capital is a global investment and operating firm specializing in all aspects of the media ecosystem, with a focus on sports, entertainment, technology, marketing, advertising, live events, licensing and branding. Today, Bruin companies are present in 15 countries and employ 1,700 people worldwide. Bruin’s investors include The Jordan Company, CVC Capital Partners, Rock Ventures, NNS chaired by Nassef Sawiris, and a prestigious family investment fund group.
About Quadrant: Quadrant Private Equity is a leading private equity firm investing in companies in Australia and New Zealand. Since its inception in 1996, Quadrant has raised $6.4 billion from 11 funds. To date, Quadrant has made 80 investments in sectors including retail, healthcare, media, consumer food and financial services. Quadrant’s investors include both Australian and international pension funds, investment funds and sovereign wealth funds.
About TGI Sport: TGI Sport is a global leader in sports technology, media and marketing, connecting sports entities and fans around the world. With over 3,500 events a year and over 20km of LED signs at work, TGI Sport operates across a wide range of sports including football, cricket, rugby, American football and hockey. TGI Sport has established relationships with many of the world’s leading sports organizations including UEFA, FIFA, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, Mediapro, Major League Soccer, US Soccer, National Rugby League, ECB, ICC, FC Barcelona, Manchester United FC, Liverpool FC and Juventus FC. TGI’s businesses include TLA Worldwide, Stellavista and Sportsmate.