Seward & Kissel Represents Equine Network in connection with its acquisition of a controlling interest in Nilforushan Equisport Events

December 17, 2024

Seward & Kissel’s Business Transactions Group Focusing on the Middle Market

On December 5, 2024, Equine Network, LLC (“Equine Network”), a leading provider of best-in-class competitions, content, products and services to the equine community, announced that it has acquired a controlling interests in Nilforushan Equisport Events, a premier horse show management company. Equine Network is a portfolio company of private equity firm Growth Catalyst Partners. Seward & Kissel is pleased to have represented Equine Network in connection with this middle market private equity transaction.

Equine Network is the largest membership-based organization delivering content, competition, commerce and community for the equine world, and those that do business in it. Growth Catalyst Partners is a middle market equity firm focused on information, marketing and tech-enabled services businesses.

Seward & Kissel LLP (www.sewkis.com) is a leading New York law firm, originally established in 1890, offering legal advice emphasizing business, financial and commercial law and related litigation.

The firm’s Business Transactions Group handles middle-market M&A, private equity, venture capital and joint venture transactions involving a wide variety of industries. The firm is ranked as Highly Regarded for Corporate/M&A by Chambers USA and is recommended by The Legal 500 in the middle-market M&A category, stating that Seward & Kissel “handles complex middle-market deals in the media industry and international sell-side M&A.“

The company’s announcement describing this transaction is reproduced below for your information.

For more information about Seward & Kissel, contact:

Equine Network Acquired a Controlling Interest in Nilforushan Equisport Events to Enhance West Coast Equestrian Shows in Temecula

Albuquerque, NM—December 5, 2024 – Equine Network, LLC, a leading provider of best-in-class competitions, content, products, and services to the equine community, is excited to announce the acquisition of a controlling interest in Nilforushan Equisport Events. This collaboration aims to further enhance the competitor experience in Southern California and make the West Coast the preferred destination for Hunter/Jumper events.

Equine Network’s CEO, Tom Winsor, shared his excitement on the new endeavor. “We have been looking for a partner in the Hunter/Jumper market that shares our values. We feel strongly Ali Nilforushan and his team have the vision to create exceptional experiences in and out of the show ring.”

Nilforushan Equisport Events is known for producing world-class horse shows at Galway Downs in Temecula, CA that cater to both competitors and spectators alike. They produce USEF rated shows with prize money classes, affordable showing options, and first-class VIP experiences. The company’s inventive management style ensures each event is fun and memorable, featuring lively entertainment, game nights and social events in addition to top-tier competition.

Ali Nilforushan, President of Nilforushan Equisport Events and former Olympian, also expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “Looking forward to joining forces with Equine Network, as we share a common vision for the future of equestrian sport in California.”

Equine Network’s majority stake in Nilforushan Equisport Events aligns with its expansive growth plans. The company has positioned itself as a leading resource for riders and their horses through strategic acquisitions within the equine industry. Its offerings include competitions, roadside assistance for horse owners, subscription-based training and care products, online learning channels, and inclusive communities. This adds a new dimension to their robust Sports Group offerings, with the creation of the Premier Equisport Group.

This collaboration also promises to attract more participants and spectators to Temecula’s Galway Downs, making the already popular equestrian venue a destination for riders of all levels. Galway Downs is the proposed equestrian venue for the LA28 Olympic Games.

 

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