BDA advises Sansei Technologies on acquisition of FORREC

BDA Partners is pleased to announce that its client, Sansei Technologies (“Sansei”), has agreed to acquire 70% of Laird Holdings, the holding company of FORREC, a global leader in experience design.

FORREC is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. FORREC is one of the world’s leading entertainment design companies, and has created some of the world’s most successful leisure and entertainment destinations. FORREC’s extensive experience in strategy, planning, and design, allows it to create compelling guest experiences rooted in imagination and immersive storytelling, for location-based entertainment. FORREC has experience working with brands all over the world, and has built projects in over 60 countries.

Cale Heit, FORREC CEO, said: “Sansei and FORREC’s shared focus on our employees, relationships and industry partners has been key to our success. As partners, our shared priorities are a commitment to collaborate and create new opportunities and experiences for our clients, their guests, and our talent. FORREC has earned the trust of our clients, and now they are looking to us to do more. This presents an amazing opportunity to grow and create some of the world’s most successful leisure and experience destinations.”

Noboru Rachi, President & CEO of Sansei, said: “FORREC’s people and their outstanding storytelling and design capability, and our expertise in amusement rides, complement each other. This allows us to provide more solutions for our clients’ evolving needs, and to create unforgettable guest experiences.”

Jeff Acton, Partner and Co-Head of BDA Tokyo, said: “BDA is proud to have advised Sansei on this important strategic acquisition, to expand and provide a broader range of solutions to theme parks and entertainment destinations. This is our third transaction with Sansei, having previously advised Sansei on the acquisition of Vekoma Rides, and on the sale of S&S Worldwide to Sansei. We’re confident that FORREC’s business will thrive as part of Sansei. This demonstrates BDA’s ability to deliver strategic cross-border transactions for Japanese clients.”

BDA was exclusive financial advisor, and Simmon & Simmons and McMillan were the legal advisors, to Sansei on the transaction.