Kingsford Investments acquires majority stake in Bay Productions

Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Cardiff, Bay Productions has established itself as one of the UK’s leading scenic production businesses. The company delivers complex projects for some of the world’s most recognised productions, events and entertainment brands, combining technical expertise with the scale and flexibility needed to support major live productions.

Bay Productions has helped create scenery and production environments for Disney Theatrical Group, New York Metropolitan Opera and English National Opera. Its work also spans major West End theatre productions, including The Lion King, Paddington The Musical, Les Misérables and Hercules, alongside live productions for global artists, including Drake, Adele and Katy Perry.

Operating from a purpose-built 28,000 sq ft facility, the business provides a fully integrated scenic production service. Its in-house capabilities include technical design, engineering, steel fabrication, carpentry, scenic art and project management, enabling the company to support clients from concept development through to installation.

The investment from Kingsford Investments will provide additional capital, strategic support and acquisition capability to accelerate Bay Productions’ growth plans, while strengthening its position as a leading specialist within the live production and entertainment sectors. The existing management team will remain in place and continue to lead the business through its next phase of development.

DSW acted as lead adviser to the shareholders of Bay Productions, advising on investor identification, transaction structuring, negotiations and project management through to completion. The transaction was led by Koo Aseeley and supported by Benjamin Nix and Joshua Morris from DSW’s Cardiff corporate finance team. Legal advice was provided by James Williams of Blake Morgan.

Gareth Baird, Director and Shareholder of Bay Productions, said: “From the outset, Koo, Ben and the wider DSW team demonstrated a high level of integrity and commitment to achieving the best outcome for both the business and its shareholders. While this was not a first for all shareholders, for many of us it was a new experience, and the guidance and clarity provided by the team gave us real confidence at each stage.

Their approach was thorough and well considered, and we were consistently impressed by the quality and professionalism of their team. What sets DSW apart is their combination of strong technical expertise with a straightforward, practical way of working. They operate with care and attention, without overcomplicating matters, which made them an excellent fit.

We would also like to thank Jack and the wider Kingsford team for their support and collaborative approach throughout the process, and we look forward to working together as Bay Productions enters its next phase of growth.”

Koo Aseeley, Partner at DSW, added, “Bay Productions has built a genuinely distinctive business with a reputation that extends far beyond the UK. The company sits behind some of the most recognised productions and live events worldwide.

Our role was to identify a partner capable of supporting the next stage of growth while preserving the culture, expertise and entrepreneurial spirit that has driven the company’s success to date. Kingsford represents an excellent strategic fit and provides the resources and experience needed to support Bay Productions’ long-term ambitions.

We are delighted to have advised the shareholders on this transaction and look forward to seeing the business continue its impressive growth journey.”

For business owners considering investment, succession or a future sale, early preparation can make a significant difference to the outcome. The Cardiff corporate finance team at DSW works with shareholders to assess their options, identify the right partners and manage transactions through to completion.