Christopher BarrettPrivate equity firm Providence Equity Partners is to become the majority shareholder in Rock It Cargo parent company Global Critical Logistics (GCL).
Rock-It Cargo has a long history of being a key player in tour logistics provision, having been founded in 1978 to provide touring support to Led Zeppelin and Uriah Heap. GCL provides logistics services to concert tours, sporting events and other major productions. The company, a former tour partner for Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney and Beyoncé, has been acquired by Providence for a reported $1 billion.
Providence issued a statement in which it said, “Completing more than 10,000 projects per year in over 160 countries, GCL enables some of 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 of its capabilities, 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.”
Providence has invested in major organisations across the live events ecosystem including including Ambassador Theatre Group, Superstruct, TAIT and Wasserman.
“For nearly 50 years, GCL has earned the trust of the world’s biggest names in the live events sector and established a leading position in all of the end markets it serves,” said Providence MD Scott Marimow. “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 entire GCL team to help capitalize on organic and inorganic growth opportunities ahead.”