CHICAGO — Raccoon Media Group acquired Abilities Expo — a series of seven shows across the U.S. focused on serving the disability community — setting the company up to double its events portfolio in its first year since being acquired by Cuil Bay Capital (CBC).
Abilities Expo attracts more than 30,000 visitors each year, and the acquisition is just the start for Raccoon Media Group’s expected announcements of acquisitions and launches in 2024.
“The Abilities portfolio is a fantastic business focused on delivering mobility and support to the disability community. This aligns perfectly with our strategy to run events that focus on healthy, active and sustainable markets,” said Mike Seaman, CEO of Raccoon Media Group. “This acquisition also ties in with our desire to grow in the U.S., tripling the number of events we have there.”
The acquisition strengthens Raccoon’s position in the wellbeing and health market in the U.S. and adds Abilities Expo to its portfolio of U.S. shows that includes The Boston Outdoor Expo, The Boston Run Show and Snowbound Expo.
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The first event to take place under Raccoon’s ownership, with retained staff and service providers, will be Abilities Expo Los Angeles, taking place March 15-17, 2024. Other locations for Abilities Expo include New York (May), Chicago (June), Houston (August), Phoenix (September), Fort Lauderdale (October), and Dallas (December).
Abilities Expo, which was led by industry veterans David Korse and Lew Shomer, was acquired from Questex in 2008. Shomer, Abilities’ CEO, will stay with the business to ensure a smooth transition.
CBC is an investment vehicle led by Chair Doug Emslie, former Tarsus CEO, that acquired Raccoon in September 2023 with the goal of diversifying it and expanding into B2B offerings.
Mayfield Merger Strategies advised Raccoon on the transaction.
Reach Mike Seaman at info@raccoonmediagroup.com
