A majority stake in Irving-based The Expo Group has been acquired by New Rochelle, New York-based New State Capital Partners. The Expo Group is a provider of services to the trade show and live event industry across North America.

The investment was made in partnership with management and the existing owners of The Expo Group, who reinvested substantial proceeds. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“Partnering with New State is a significant milestone in the journey of our business,” The Expo Group Founder Ray Pekowski said in a statement. “This collaboration not only honors the legacy we’ve built, but also sets the stage for an even brighter future. I am confident that with New State’s support, The Expo Group will continue to lead the industry and achieve new levels of excellence.”

A ‘premier player’ in B2B trade shows

Founded in 1991, The Expo Group is known for its comprehensive event services, providing design, planning, asset procurement, booth rentals, logistics, and execution services as the architect for over 500 trade shows, live events, and exhibitor projects annually. It serves a diverse set of end markets on behalf of leading event organizers, independent trade associations, corporations, and higher education institutions, the companies said.

“Joining forces with the New State team marks an exciting new chapter for our growing company. Just as we invest in our customers as architects for connecting communities, they’re investing in our future to help us expand opportunities for success.” The Expo Group CEO Randy Pekowski said in a statement.

He noted that New State’s resources would enhance The Expo Group’s operations “and further scale our business, while continuing to deliver exceptional experiences for our clients.”

“We look forward to leveraging this partnership to continue our path of record-breaking growth,” Pekowski said.

New State funded its investment out of Fund III and partnered on the transaction with Dallas-based Panos Partners, an independent sponsor founded by former events industry executive Bryan Scott. This marks the fourth investment in which New State has partnered with an independent sponsor.

“We established a thesis within the B2B trade show and live event services sector several years ago and are excited to invest in a premier player in the space,” Kurt Lentz, senior principal at New State, said in a statement. “Together with Randy and team, we plan to drive continued organic growth as well as accelerate The Expo Group’s trajectory via strategic M&A.”

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