Citicourt & Co Limited advises on UK led Management Buyout (“MBO”) of Arthur Murray International Inc

Citicourt & Co Limited advises on UK led Management Buyout (“MBO”) of Arthur Murray International Inc.

December 18, 2024

Citicourt & Co Limited (“Citicourt”), has completed advising on the management buyout (“MBO”) of Arthur Murray International, Inc. (“Arthur Murray”), an international franchisor of dance studios. The 112-year-old company now counts 300 dance studios in two dozen countries across the globe. The MBO team was led by UK based Gary Edwards, an ambassador for Arthur Murray for the last 20 years, who will serve as CEO.

In advising the MBO team, Citicourt brought numerous credentialed parties to the table and was able to identify the right partner for the MBO team that also satisfied the wishes of Arthur Murray’s ownership group. The transaction was complicated, and Citicourt was able to navigate to an expeditious and successful conclusion prior to year end. The acquisition positions the global franchise business, Arthur Murray, to build on its storied history and continue its impressive growth as new generations discover the art, fun, and health benefits of dance.

Edwards has spent over four decades immersed in the dance industry, earning a reputation as a distinguished leader and innovator. As a world-ranked dancer, his competitive achievements have solidified his status within the dance community. In addition to his vast expertise in dance education and studio management, Gary also brings a strong presence in the media world, having collaborated on various dance projects, television appearances, and productions that celebrate the art of dance.

Edwards has spent over four decades immersed in the dance industry, earning a reputation as a distinguished leader and innovator. As a world-ranked dancer, his competitive achievements have solidified his status within the dance community. In addition to his vast expertise in dance education and studio management, Gary also brings a strong presence in the media world, having collaborated on various dance projects, television appearances, and productions that celebrate the art of dance.

“From start to finish, Jodi Bartin and the Citicourt & Co. team were instrumental in making my MBO a success, says Gary Edwards. Their deep network and ability to bring capital to the table was instrumental in identifying a PE firm that shared our values. I have been planning this for many years and we couldn’t have achieved the success of our MBO without the incredible ability Citicourt & Co has to identify funding and complete a mid-market money raise. We loved working with Citicourt, from the very beginning we knew we were in safe hands; they demonstrated a deep understanding of both the complexities of the MBO process and the unique aspects of our business.”

“Citicourt is delighted to have played a central role in completing this transformative transaction for Arthur Murray,” said Citicourt’s Jodi Bartin. By structuring a competitive process for the MBO team to acquire this global franchise business, we’ve demonstrated our commitment to delivering exceptional results for our wonderful clients. M&A activity remains robust, and Citicourt continues to assist clients across diverse sectors in achieving their global strategic mergers, acquisitions, disposals, and equity/debt fundraising goals.”

About Citicourt & Co Limited:

Citicourt & Co is a trusted advisor in the London, UK financial landscape and has been operating for 33 years. The firm specialises in small to mid-cap buyouts, MBOs, fundraising mandates, and both buy-side and sell-side M&A advisory services. With deal values generally ranging from £5 million to £250 million, Citicourt has successfully guided transactions across multiple sectors, ensuring clients achieve their strategic ambitions.

About Clarion Capital:

Founded in 1999, Clarion is a New York-based investment manager operating two primary business segments: Private Equity (launched in 1999) and Structured Credit (launched in 2018). Clarion’s private equity business seeks to make primarily control investments in a diversified portfolio of lower middle-market companies generating $7.5 million to $30.0 million of EBITDA. Clarion focuses on growth companies in industries such as Media, Entertainment & Technology, Financial Technology & Services, Business, Healthcare & Industrial Services, and Consumer. Clarion’s structured credit business focuses mostly on CLO equity and mezzanine investments, sourced both in the primary and secondary markets. The structured credit team manages traditional private funds and an insurance-dedicated fund.

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