Wales-based adventure company Zip World has been sold to private equity firm Dolphin Capital in a deal that values the business at more than £100 million.
The transaction marks an exit for private equity investor LDC, and will “kickstart” Zip World’s growth plans for this year and beyond, said Zip World founder Sean Taylor.
LDC originally backed Taylor and the management team in December 2018 with a minority investment to support Zip World’s expansion strategy.
Since then, Zip World has more than doubled the number of sites from its original three in North Wales, launched new adventure attractions, and expanded into accommodation, including a hotel and luxury forest lodges.
Zip World now has eight sites across England and Wales. Its Penrhyn Quarry attraction is home to the world’s fastest zip line, which offers speeds of more than 100 mph.
Last year, the company announced a £941m boost to the Welsh economy over the past decade.
Andrew Hudson, CEO of Zip World, said in a statement: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome Dolphin Capital as our new partner not least because they share the same enthusiasm as we do.
“Their investment not only validates our vision and strategy, but also provides us with the resources and support to really kickstart our latest growth plans. This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a big year.”
He added: “Investment is key for us, not only in our new sites but also in adding value to our existing locations.”
New owners investing in Zip World
Richard Cook, partner of Dolphin Capital, said: “We are delighted to support Zip World in their continued growth, and our investment reflects our confidence in the team’s operational ability, their expansion plans and the positive impact they make to the adventure tourism sector in the UK.
“We look forward to investing in the existing sites and opening more Zip Worlds in the coming years.”
Zip World’s expansion plans include reopening the ArcelorMittal Orbit sculpture at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, London on 14 February.
The company is also opening a new site in Elterwater, Cumbria later in 2025, and is awaiting the planning decision on a new attraction at Penrhyn Quarry.
Additional investment continues at Zip World Llechwedd, and at the Heaton Park site in Manchester.
Images courtesy of Zip World
