CMS has won a first-time mandate on the sale of global theatre company Stage Entertainment, producer of world-famous musicals including The Lion KingMamma Mia! and Tina: the Tina Turner Musical

Amsterdam-headquartered Stage Entertainment is one of the world's foremost theatre producers and owners, operating 20 theatres globally.

CMS is advising media investment house Advance Publications on its purchase of the global theatre company from its billionaire owner, Joop van den Ende, and CVC Capital Partners. 

New York-based Advance – which invests in media, communications and technology businesses – has agreed to purchase 100% of Stage Entertainment's shares, with CVC selling the 60% it acquired in 2015, and van den Ende – the company's founder – disposing of his 40% share. 

CMS is fielding a team led by London-based media partners John Enser and M&A partner Louise Wallace, as well as Amsterdam-based M&A partner Reinout Slot. The firm's supporting cast includes London partner Andrew Quayle, Amsterdam head of employment and pensions Katja van Kranenburg-Hanspians, and Berlin-based real estate partner Andreas Otto.

CVC and van den Ende, meanwhile, have turned to Slaughter and May best-friend firm, De Brauw Blackstone Westbroek, with its team led by Amsterdam-based M&A head Arne Grimme.

Advance's portfolio also includes Vanity Fair and The New Yorker magazines.

Photo credit: Barne 227