3PL focused on events, luxury goods changes private equity hands

Providence Equity Partners acquires a majority stake in Global Critical Logistics

Providence acquires a majority stake in GCL from ATL Partners. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

Private equity firm Providence Equity Partners has acquired a controlling interest in Global Critical Logistics (GCL).

New York-based GCL specializes in arranging freight transportation for live events (concerts and sports) as well as fine art and luxury cars for shows and auctions. The 3PL’s mission-critical, high-service brands include Rock-it Cargo, DIETL, CARS, SOS Global and Dynamic International. The company also secures and stores high-end items.

GCL executes more than 10,000 projects globally each year out of a network of over 60 offices.

Financial terms of the transaction were not provided, but The Wall Street Journal said the deal totaled more than $1 billion.

“Providence’s commitment validates our customer focus and growth strategy and will expand our capabilities further in the years ahead,” said GCL President and CEO Daniel Rosenthal in a news release. “The Providence team’s proven track record and depth of relationships in our end markets make them the ideal partner for the next chapter of serving our customers.”

Providence replaces ATL Partners as GCL’s majority shareholder. ATL Partners was the company’s primary backer for the past seven years and will retain a minority stake in GCL.

Rosenthal will continue in his current role with the company.

“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 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.”

Jefferies, J.P. Morgan, and Moelis & Co. served as financial advisers to GCL. Harris Williams served as Providence’s financial adviser.

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Todd Maiden

Based in Richmond, VA, Todd is the finance editor at FreightWaves. Prior to joining FreightWaves, he covered the TLs, LTLs, railroads and brokers for RBC Capital Markets and BB&T Capital Markets. Todd began his career in banking and finance before moving over to transportation equity research where he provided stock recommendations for publicly traded transportation companies.