Cuil Bay Capital, a new U.K.-based investment firm led by exhibition entrepreneur Doug Emslie, has announced its first investment by acquiring a majority stake in U.K.-based Raccoon Media Group. Raccoon was founded in 2016 and achieved great success with the launch of the National Running Show. Since then, other trade and consumer events have followed in the UK and US in running, outdoor (National Outdoor Expo), cycling (British Cycling Show), snow (Snowbound Festival), equine and allergy.
Emslie, who was Tarsus Group’s first employee in 1998 and was CEO until Informa acquired the company for $1 billion in April 2023, will join Raccoon’s board as chairman, replacing Ralph Collett. The rest of the executive team will remain in place to lead the company into its next growth phase.
Mike Seaman, CEO of Raccoon Media Group, said, “Over the past seven years, Raccoon has evolved from a personal dream to a business that employs 33 members of staff, delivers ten events per year, has a growing digital arm and operates in the US as well as the UK. I couldn’t be prouder of the team and what we achieved together. This acquisition is perfectly timed to enable us to take the next step on our journey, building on the solid foundations that already exist and giving us the investment and ability to expand.” He went on to say that as Raccoon expands its portfolio, it will move into the B2B space, “while maintaining our focus on delivery quality, customer service, passion and purpose.”
CBC’s strategy focuses on acquiring well-established, entrepreneurial businesses and events in the growth stage in sectors undergoing transformation. The company said that purchasing Raccoon is the first step in developing a portfolio focused on healthy, active and sustainable markets that inspire positive lifestyle choices.
