Platinum Equity has acquired Czarnowski Collective, an experiential marketing services firm known for designing and delivering live brand experiences across trade shows, corporate events, meetings, and conferences. The business was purchased from CEO Mark Nagle and the Nagle family, who have led Czarnowski through decades of expansion. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Founded in 1947 and headquartered in Chicago, Czarnowski operates as a collection of integrated agencies that provide end-to-end support for live experiences. The company’s capabilities span brand strategy and creative development, exhibit and environment fabrication, onsite installation and event support, and asset rental, storage, and logistics—services that enable customers to outsource a broad share of the planning and execution burden for complex, high-touch programs.
Platinum Equity Co-President Jacob Kotzubei said the firm was drawn to Czarnowski’s positioning as marketing budgets increasingly shift toward live and experiential formats. He characterized Czarnowski as well-positioned to capture that demand due to its history and quality focus, and added that Platinum has experience working with family-led companies in ways that maintain culture while applying operational expertise and pursuing acquisitions.
For the Nagle family, the transaction represents a handoff to a partner that can support the next phase of scale while preserving the organization’s identity. Nagle said building the company has been a long-term family endeavor and emphasized the pride the team takes in its reputation in the industry. He added that selecting the right partner was central to the decision and said the family believes Platinum shares Czarnowski’s commitment to clients, employees, and culture.
The acquisition includes a leadership transition. Czarnowski President Jim Milanowski is set to become CEO following the change in ownership, while Nagle will assume the chairman emeritus role. Milanowski said the partnership will provide additional resources to scale and innovate, including investment in systems and technology, footprint expansion, and deeper creative capabilities, while maintaining a customer-first approach.
Platinum Equity, founded in 1995 by Tom Gores, said it has approximately $50 billion of assets under management and a portfolio of roughly 60 operating companies. The firm describes its approach as combining mergers and acquisitions with operational execution across a range of sectors. Czarnowski Collective said it unites four specialized studios that produce experiences across physical exhibits and environments, immersive events, and digital activations, with a focus on connecting brands to audiences through strategy, creative, and execution.
Support: Advisors on the transaction included Baird as the exclusive financial advisor and Perkins Coie LLP as legal counsel to Czarnowski. Platinum Equity was advised by Fifth Third as financial advisor, with Wilkie Farr & Gallagher serving as legal counsel.
KEY QUOTES:
“We have great respect for the Nagle family and the business they’ve built. As more dollars shift from traditional channels to live and experiential formats, Czarnowski is in a great position to capitalize given its history and commitment to delivering the highest quality in the space. Platinum also has a lot of experience helping family-led businesses preserve their culture while leveraging our operational expertise and M&A capabilities to maximize their potential.”
Jacob Kotzubei, Co-President, Platinum Equity
“Building Czarnowski into what it is today has been a labor of love for our family. We are incredibly proud of our team and the reputation they’ve earned in the industry. Choosing the right partner for the next chapter was very important to us, and we believe Platinum Equity shares our commitment to our clients, our people and the culture that makes Czarnowski special.”
Mark Nagle, CEO, Czarnowski Collective
“Partnering with Platinum gives us access to resources and expertise that will help us further scale and continue to innovate. Our clients rely on us to deliver unforgettable experiences, and this partnership will allow us to invest in new systems and technology, expand our footprint, and deepen our creative capabilities. We’re excited about the opportunities ahead and remain committed to the values and customer-first approach that have defined Czarnowski for decades.”
Jim Milanowski, President (Incoming CEO), Czarnowski Collective
“We like Czarnowski’s integrated model and believe its ability to provide a one-stop solution for clients is an important differentiator. The company operates in a large, fragmented market with a scalable international footprint that supports the complex needs of multinational clients. We see significant opportunities to enhance its operations and pursue strategic add-on acquisitions.”
Dan Krasner, Managing Director, Platinum Equity
