Freeman Acquires U.K-based General Service Contractor SO Group
March 27, 2013
Dallas-based Freeman, a provider of marketing solutions for live events in North America, has acquired U.K.-based general service contractor SO Group.
“For 86 years, Freeman has focused its business on responding to the specific needs of each client,” said Joe Popolo, CEO of Freeman.
He added, “Our customers are increasingly looking for strategic partnerships that provide seamless service beyond North America, and this acquisition positions us to answer that call. We are extremely excited to bring these two businesses together.”
As of today, the business and assets of SO Group, and its subsidiary 360 Creative Event Services, will be incorporated into the Freeman family of brands and the business will operate under the trade name “SO Group, a Freeman Company.”
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
N200, which was a part of SO Group's registration division, but not included in the sale to Freeman, has a message on it's Web site that indicated SO Group was in bankruptcy proceedings when Freeman bought the company.
Also on N220's site, the company said they were open to discussing working with Freeman moving forward.
Popolo said the two companies were a "good fit" culturally. "They really have a strong employee culture that lines up with ours," he added.
SO Group, which works in seven cities across the U.K., is meant to be a springboard not only into the rest of Europe, but other overseas locales where Freeman's clients are launching shows, Popolo said.
"This is all about our desire to serve our customers," he added,
Matt Ingram, joint administrator of Duff & Phelps, an investment banking firm that handled the transaction, said, “From the outset of the administration process Freeman has demonstrated a real commitment to see the transaction concluded. I am delighted that it has been successful in its bid, as it provides a positive result for over 350 employees and offers a much enhanced outcome from creditors than any other realistic proposition.”
The deal gives both companies wider geographic scope, as well as provides more depth of capabilities and expertise to clientele.
“The two businesses share a similar culture, complementary services and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional customer experience,” said David Walley, CEO of SO Group.
He added, “We are excited about what this acquisition by Freeman means for customers in North America and the UK, and we look forward to a smooth integration that brings the best of both operations under one brand.”
SO Group is “delivery partner to 88 percent of top U.K. organizers and preferred supplier to a third of the biggest venues in the country,” according to the company’s Web site.
Two years ago, Freeman made another major deal, buying three companies owned by San Francisco-based Wheelhouse Solutions – Champion Exposition Services, George Fern Exposition & Services and Immersa Marketing – for an undisclosed sum.
George Fern Exposition & Services was taken independent by Aaron Bludworth, who runs the company, and his group.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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