A&O Shearman advises Searchlight on financing for its investment in CloserStill alongside Providence Equity Partners

The A&O Shearman sponsor leveraged finance team advising Searchlight was led by partner and global co-head of private equity, Neil Sinha, and partner James Green, alongside senior associates Ramone Bedi and Fraser Jackson and associates, Sophie Hilton and Irfan Mallam-Hassan. 

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in London, CloserStill operates a market-leading portfolio of must-attend, award-winning B2B events across four high growth sectors: technology, healthcare, learning and HR, and future transport and infrastructure. Its flagship events include Ai4, the global Tech Show portfolio, the London Vet Show, Data Centre World, PTE World, Learning Technologies, and The Dentistry Show.  

Searchlight’s investment will help drive CloserStill’s continued expansion across three key areas: (i) further consolidation of the fragmented global events market through targeted bolt-on acquisitions; (ii) the launch of new events in adjacent high growth sectors; and (iii) continued investment in the company’s digital and sales platforms to deepen year-round customer engagement.