RWS Global acquires Great Big Events and launches RWS Global Sports and Sydney base

May 15, 2024

RWS Global, the world’s largest producer of live entertainment, has acquired Great Big Events (GBE), a leading global sports event production company with credits including over 100 World Championships, World Cups, Olympic, Paralympic, Commonwealth and multi-sport Games – including the Brisbane Broncos vs Parramatta Eels game at The Gabba - The Broncos farewell match before heading back to Suncorp Stadium.

As a result of the acquisition, RWS Global is launching a new division, RWS Global Sports, to provide a comprehensive range of offerings, including venue design, entertainment, sports production and merchandise while also establishing an office in Sydney - its fourth global hub, complementing existing locations in New York, London and Cincinnati.

Ryan Stana, chairman and Chief Executive RWS Global noted 'Fusing together our teams, resources and talent strengthens our position as leaders in the live experiential sector and allows us to deliver unprecedented live sports and entertainment experiences for our clients and their audiences across the globe.

“The Sydney location will allow us to broaden our entertainment offerings to the cruise market in Sydney which tends to be a difficult territory to place guest entertainers.”

GBE co-founder Kim Henshaw will join and lead the RWS Global Sports division, bringing extensive industry expertise and knowledge that RWS Global considers invaluable as it continues to expand its presence in the live entertainment and sporting events market.

Henshaw enthused “we are thrilled to be joining forces with RWS Global and excited about the endless possibilities ahead. With our combined expertise, we will develop unparalleled live sports experiences and set a new standard for the industry.”

RWS Global’s acquisition of GBE follows an investment in RWS Global by Bluestone Equity Partners, a private equity firm with diverse sports and entertainment assets. The investment will support the new RWS Global Sports division in delivering major international events over the next three years with ambitious plans for further global expansion.

Bobby Sharma, founder & managing partner, Bluestone Equity added “we have long believed in the significant growth opportunity for RWS Global across new sectors. This announcement is a natural evolution for the RWS Global portfolio, further cementing its position as the leader in global live entertainment.”

Additionally, the deal sees RWS Global expanding its digital capabilities with GBE’s fan engagement apps, including Ultimate Fan App and Anywhere Live, along with the integrated software system PV4.

The RWS Global team now comprises more than 300 full-time employees and engages over 8,000 seasonal talents annually.

For more information about RWS Global and their services, visit their website at www.rwsglobal.com.

Images. In August 2023, GBE delivered an electrifying Sport Presentation program for the Brisbane Broncos vs Parramatta Eels game at The Gabba. The Broncos claimed an impressive 54-10 victory in their farewell match at The Gabba before heading back to the Suncorp Stadium. The atmosphere was spectacular, with pyro by Skylighter Fireworks and lighting by High Impact Lighting setting the stage for the showdown. Credit: Full Throttle Photography/ Brisbane Broncos /RWS Global

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