Swiss private equity firm Ufenau Capital Partners and Berlin-based entertainment entrepreneur Prof Peter Schwenkow have unveiled plans to build a European group in the live and family entertainment market.
It marks the return of DEAG founder and former CEO Schwenkow two years after he left the European live giant, which he established in 1978.
Ufenau intends to back the initiative as investor and majority shareholder and is already reviewing initial investment opportunities. The firm can deploy up to €100 million of equity over the coming years for suitable investments and further acquisitions.
“The aim is to bring successful mid-sized promoters, producers and operators together under a common umbrella and support their continued development alongside their existing management teams,” said a statement. “Each business will retain its individual identity and operational autonomy.”
Schwenkow founded DEAG Deutsche Entertainment AG and built the business over more than four decades into one of Europe’s leading entertainment groups. During that time, he promoted performances by David Bowie, Anna Netrebko, David Garrett and the Rolling Stones, as well as productions such as Disney On Ice.
He also developed numerous proprietary entertainment formats, helped shape venues including the Wintergarten, Friedrichsbau and Apollo variety theatres and Berlin’s Waldbühne, and led more than 60 acquisitions.
Schwenkow is one of the initiators of the new venture and will contribute his industry experience, network and M&A expertise. He is expected to lead the new group and, alongside Ufenau, play a central role in driving its strategic development.
Ufenau brings capital and extensive buy-and-build expertise; I will contribute my industry knowledge and network
Peter Schwenkow
As part of the strategy to bring in promoters and producers, Grandezza Entertainment is also expected to become a complementary part of the group in due course. Schwenkow plans to contribute his shareholding in the live shows, circus and Christmas entertainment specialist at a later stage.
Grandezza will continue to be led by Schwenkow and producer Thomas Schütte, formerly a long-standing managing director at Circus Roncalli.
“Europe’s entertainment market is home to a large number of highly successful, often founder-owned businesses,” said Prof Peter Schwenkow. “Together with Ufenau, we want to offer these entrepreneurs and their management teams a long-term growth perspective as part of a strong European group. Ufenau brings capital and extensive buy-and-build expertise; I will contribute my industry knowledge and network. Ralf Flore and I have known and respected each other since our time together at DEAG. I look forward to opening a new chapter in European entertainment with him and his team.”
“I have known Peter for more than 17 years and worked closely with him during my time on DEAG’s supervisory board,” said Ralf Flore, founder and managing partner of Ufenau Capital Partners. “He is an exceptional entrepreneur who understands the entertainment market from first-hand operating experience and has a long track record of successfully building and integrating businesses.”
Flore added: “The market is particularly attractive to Ufenau because it is highly fragmented and characterised by successful entrepreneur-led businesses with established formats and strong regional brands. A larger group can unlock additional opportunities across marketing, ticketing, international expansion and the development of proprietary content. Our aim is to realise that potential alongside strong management teams, while preserving the identity and entrepreneurial culture of each business. Peter’s industry expertise and Ufenau’s experience in building European groups are highly complementary.”
PHOTO: Oliver Wia
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