M&A Deal Summary

Cirque du Soleil Acquires VStar Entertainment Group

On July 9, 2018, Cirque du Soleil acquired media company VStar Entertainment Group from AUA Private Equity Partners

Acquisition Highlights
  • This is Cirque du Soleil’s 2nd transaction in the Media sector.
  • This is Cirque du Soleil’s 2nd transaction in the United States.
  • This is Cirque du Soleil’s 1st transaction in Minnesota.

M&A Deal Summary

Date 2018-07-09
Target VStar Entertainment Group
Sector Media
Buyer(s) Cirque du Soleil
Sellers(s) AUA Private Equity Partners
Deal Type Add-on Acquisition

Target

VStar Entertainment Group

Fridley, Minnesota, United States
VStar Entertainment Group is a live entertainment provider producing theatrical shows, exhibits, cruise ship shows and outdoor events. VStar is best known for its children and family shows showcasing popular brands from Nickelodeon and Spin Master, such as PAW Patrol. Over nearly four decades, it has built an impressive footprint in the global entertainment industry, presenting over 39,000 performances in more than 40 countries, reaching over two million guests annually.

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Buyer(S) 1

Buyer

Cirque du Soleil

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Category Company
Founded 1984
Sector Media
DESCRIPTION

Cirque du Soleil is a creative content provider of live artistic entertainment. In addition to shows, the company, which has its International Headquarters in Montréal, extends its creative talent to other spheres of activity. Cirque du Soleil was formed in 1984 and is based in Montreal, Quebec.


DEAL STATS #
Overall 2 of 3
Sector (Media) 2 of 3
Type (Add-on Acquisition) 2 of 3
State (Minnesota) 1 of 1
Country (United States) 2 of 3
Year (2018) 1 of 1
PREVIOUS DEAL
DATE TARGET DEAL TYPE VALUE
2017-07-06 Blue Man Productions

New York, New York, United States

Blue Man Productions is a global entertainment company best known for the award-winning Blue Man Group show, performed in 15 countries and seen by more than 35 million people worldwide. A dynamic combination of music, comedy and technology, the show appeals to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds.

Buy -
FOLLOWING DEAL
DATE TARGET DEAL TYPE VALUE
2019-02-06 The Works Entertainment

Los Angeles, California, United States

The Works Entertainment is a world-class leader in theatrical productions and large-scale attractions. TWE's productions have consistently smashed box office records, been seen worldwide and have included performances in prestigious venues such as the Sydney Opera House in Australia, the Shaftesbury Theatre in London and the Palace Theatre on Broadway, New York. With a global network of affiliates and an office in the heart of Los Angeles, The Works Entertainment is perfectly situated to offer exceptional quality, groundbreaking creativity, and first-class execution.

Buy -

Seller(S) 1

SELLER

AUA Private Equity Partners

West Palm Beach, New York, United States

Investor Investor Investor Investor


Category Private Equity Firm
Founded 2012
Size Small
Type Sector Focused
DESCRIPTION

AUA Private Equity Partners is an operationally-focused, private equity firm that makes control and significant minority equity investments in companies operating in the consumer, media, and business services sectors. The Firm also targets Hispanic-oriented companies and family-owned businesses located in the US. AUA seeks businesses with at least $5 million in EBITDA and valued up to $250 million. Prospective companies typically have recurring revenue, strong growth prospects, sustainable competitive advantages, and in a position to benefit from 'demographic trends'. AUA Private Equity Partners was formed in 2012 and is based in New York City.


DEAL STATS #
Overall 1 of 6
Sector (Media) 1 of 1
Type (Add-on Acquisition) 1 of 4
State (Minnesota) 1 of 1
Country (United States) 1 of 6
Year (2018) 1 of 1
PREVIOUS DEAL
DATE TARGET DEAL TYPE VALUE
2016-06-01 Indulge Desserts Holdings

Freeport, New York, United States

Indulge Desserts Holdings LLC is a manufacturer of premium gourmet desserts, offering a full line of American and international/ethnic, all-natural products to the foodservice and retail markets across the U.S. Indulge Desserts Holdings LLC is based in Freeport, New York.

Buy -
FOLLOWING DEAL
DATE TARGET DEAL TYPE VALUE
2019-03-27 Gourmet Culinary Partners

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Gourmet Culinary Partners is a holding company organized by AUA Private Equity Partners to acquire interests in, and partner with, premium specialty food manufacturers in the U.S. that focus on culinary solutions for customers across the foodservice and retail sectors. Gourmet Culinary Partners is based in Atlanta, Georgia.

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