LOS ANGELES and LAS VEGAS, Dec. 31, 2024 — Truelink Capital announced the completion of its acquisition of GES, a leading global exhibition and event services provider. The financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed.
Luke Myers, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Truelink Capital, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with GES, highlighting plans to leverage its strengths in design, logistics, and event management. The company intends to pursue strategic acquisitions and expand its agency presence. Myers acknowledged Viad’s support during the transition.
GES, established over 90 years ago, will operate as an independent entity under the continued leadership of Derek Linde as President & CEO. The company offers comprehensive event solutions globally.
Derek Linde expressed excitement about GES’s new chapter as an independent company and the opportunities presented by the partnership with Truelink Capital to deliver exceptional event experiences worldwide.
Employing over 2,600 people across North America, Europe, and Asia, GES provides a full spectrum of services, catering to diverse industries including healthcare, aerospace, automotive, technology, and retail, for both live and virtual events. GES has also successfully broadened its reach into related fields, solidifying its position as a key partner for associations, exhibitors, and agencies in brand activation.
This acquisition represents Truelink Capital’s sixth, reflecting the firm’s focus on building long-term value through partnerships with industry leaders. Truelink Capital specializes in operationally focused investments in industrials and tech-enabled services.
BrightTower and Baird acted as financial advisors, and Kirkland & Ellis provided legal counsel to Truelink Capital. Moelis & Company LLC served as financial advisor, and Latham & Watkins LLP as legal advisor, to Viad Corp.
ABOUT TRUELINK CAPITAL
Truelink Capital, a Los Angeles-based middle-market private equity firm, combines extensive industry expertise in industrials and technology-enabled services with a commitment to fostering partnerships that generate sustained value through operational strategies. Truelink collaborates with management teams, corporate sellers, and founders to stimulate growth via strategic initiatives and acquisitions. Truelink is currently investing from Truelink Capital Fund I, a $950 million fund.
ABOUT VIAD CORP
Viad (NYSE: VVI) previously operated two divisions: GES and Pursuit. GES provides comprehensive, global live event services, encompassing creative design, strategy, production, and logistics to associations, exhibitors, and corporations. Pursuit is an attractions and hospitality company with operations in the United States, Canada, and Iceland.
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Truelink Capital
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SOURCE Truelink Capital
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