GCL, a leader in live events and luxury goods specialty logistics, announced a strategic investment from Providence Equity Partners, a premier private equity firm with significant experience investing in and supporting the growth of companies in the entertainment and media sectors.
Providence will become the majority shareholder of GCL. And ATL Partners (the current majority owner) will retain a minority equity stake in the Company. GCL will continue to be led by President and CEO Daniel Rosenthal, with global headquarters in New York. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, and the transaction is subject to the customary closing conditions.
Founded in 1978, GCL is the world’s premier mission-critical logistics provider in its sectors, serving the service-sensitive live events and luxury goods end markets through a roster of brands, including Rock-it Cargo, DIETL, and CARS. Completing over 10,000 projects annually in over 160 countries, GCL enables some of the most iconic moments, including coveted live music tours, global mega-events and tournaments, sports broadcasting, film and television production, and experiential events.
As an example of its capabilities, Rock-it Cargo recently entered into a multi-year partnership as the Official Logistics Provider of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the new FIFA Club World Cup starting next month. And GCL also is the most trusted global partner in transporting, storing, and protecting its customers’ most prized possessions, from storied fine art collections at auction houses, galleries, museums, and art fairs, to luxury vehicles used in car shows, rallies, or on tracks around the world.
Advisors: Jefferies, J.P. Morgan Securities and Moelis & Company served as financial advisors and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher served as legal advisor to the Company. And Harris Williams served as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis served as legal advisor to Providence.
KEY QUOTES:
“GCL is a very special company supported by an incredible family of employees, customers and partners across its global network. Providence’s commitment validates our customer focus and growth strategy and will expand our capabilities further in the years ahead.”
“I’m also extremely grateful to the team at ATL Partners for their deep passion to propel our growth strategy. Under ATL’s active stewardship during the last seven years, GCL has successfully expanded into several adjacent verticals and is the clear market leader in live events and luxury goods logistics.”
Daniel Rosenthal, GCL President and CEO
“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. We have a deep appreciation for and understanding of the business, especially given our long history of investing in entertainment and sports. We look forward to partnering with Dan and the entire GCL team to help capitalize on organic and inorganic growth opportunities ahead.”
Scott Marimow, Managing Director at Providence
“Since ATL invested in GCL in 2018, GCL has transformed itself into a premier business focused on the high growth live event and luxury goods markets. Dan and his management team have positioned the company well for its next phase of growth by expanding into new verticals, adding operational capabilities, and executing strategic acquisitions. We look forward to supporting the next step in GCL’s journey alongside Providence and the GCL management team.”
Sanjay Arora, a Partner at ATL Partners
