USA/Netherlands: Advance Publications to Acquire Stage Entertainment

US media company Advance Publications with headquarters in New York City, publisher of magazines and periodicals, will acquire a hundred percent of Stage Entertainment company, headquartered in Amsterdam and producer of musicals and live entertainment shows. As operator of 20 theatres in several countries, attracting more than seven million visitors annually, Stage Entertainment is one of the world’s largest live entertainment producers to date. Founded twenty years ago by Joop van den Ende, the company’s portfolio includes famous musical productions such as “Disney’s The Lion King”, “Mamma Mia!” and “Mary Poppins”.

“We are very excited to welcome Stage Entertainment and its staff to our company’s family. The success story of Stage Entertainment, which presents world-class musicals to its audiences, is extraordinary. With our deep roots in creative storytelling and our desire to further diversify our investments, we are confident that we will be the ideal long-term owner for Stage Entertainment. […] We are particularly pleased that Joop van den Ende has agreed to accompany this next chapter of his business as a consultant. We look forward to working with Arthur de Bok and his management team to further expand the business and remain the first choice for all creative professionals in the musical theatre genre,” commented Steven Newhouse, Co-President of Advance Publications.

Arthur de Bok, CEO of Stage Entertainment, added, “We are very pleased to have Advance as our new owner as they have a proven track record of combining artistic excellence with sound business management. Advance is fully in line with our vision of strategic direction and growth opportunities for Stage Entertainment, and we look forward to their long-term view of the genre. They are a great partner for the company’s next growth phase […],” said de Bok.

The transaction, the financial details of which have been agreed to remain confidential, is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year. (eap)