GCL (the “Company”), a global leader in live events and luxury goods specialty logistics, today announced a strategic investment from Providence Equity Partners, L.L.C (“Providence”), a premier private equity firm with significant experience investing in and supporting the growth of companies in the entertainment and media sectors.
Providence will become the majority shareholder of GCL, while ATL Partners, the current majority owner, will retain a minority equity stake. GCL will continue to be led by President and CEO Daniel Rosenthal, with its global headquarters in New York. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, and the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions.
Founded in 1978, GCL is the world’s premier mission-critical logistics provider in its sectors, operating in the service-sensitive live events and luxury goods markets through brands including Rock-it Cargo, DIETL, and CARS. Completing more than 10,000 projects per year in over 160 countries, enabling the world’s most iconic moments including coveted live music tours, global mega-events and tournaments, sports broadcasting, film and television production, and experiential events. As an example, Rock-it Cargo recently entered into a multi-year partnership as the Official Logistics Provider of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the new FIFA Club World Cup starting next month. GCL is also a trusted global partner for transporting, storing, and protecting its customers’ most prized possessions, from storied fine art collections at auction houses, galleries, museums, and art fairs, to luxury vehicles used in car shows, rallies, or on tracks around the world.
“GCL is a very special company supported by an incredible family of employees, customers and partners across its global network. Providence’s commitment validates our customer focus and growth strategy and will expand our capabilities in the years ahead,” said Daniel Rosenthal, GCL President and CEO. “The Providence team’s proven track record and relationships in our end markets make them the ideal partner for the next chapter of serving our customers. I’m also extremely grateful to the team at ATL Partners for their deep passion to propel our growth strategy. Under ATL’s active stewardship during the last seven years, GCL has expanded into adjacent verticals and is the clear market leader in live events and luxury goods logistics.”
“For nearly 50 years, GCL has earned the trust of the world’s biggest names in live events and established a leading position in all of the end markets it serves,” said Scott Marimow, Managing Director at Providence. “We have a deep appreciation for and understanding of the business, especially given our long history of investing in entertainment and sports. We look forward to partnering with Dan and the GCL team to help capitalize on organic and inorganic growth opportunities ahead.”
Providence has nearly three decades of experience investing in and creating lasting value at a wide range of companies in the live event space. Current and previous live events- and sports-related investments include Ambassador Theatre Group, Learfield, Major League Soccer, PADI, Populous, Real Madrid, Superstruct, Sweetwater, TAIT, Topgolf, Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network, Wasserman and World Triathlon Corporation (Ironman).
Sanjay Arora, a Partner at ATL Partners, added, “Since ATL invested in GCL in 2018, GCL has transformed into a premier business focused on the high growth live event and luxury goods markets. Dan and his team have positioned the company well for its next growth by expanding into new verticals, adding operational capabilities, and executing strategic acquisitions. We look forward to supporting GCL’s journey alongside Providence and the GCL management team.”
Jefferies LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Moelis & Company LLC served as financial advisors and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP served as legal advisor to the Company. Harris Williams served as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal advisor to Providence.
