eps and NUSSLI Merge
Event infrastructure companies eps and NUSSLI have merged, creating a Europe-based group with 820 employees across 50 locations and operations in markets worldwide.
The two companies will continue to operate under their existing eps and NUSSLI brands, with headquarters in Munich, Germany, and Hüttwilen, Switzerland. Andy Böckli, previously CEO of NUSSLI Group, has been appointed Group CEO of the newly formed eps Nüssli Holding GmbH.
The combination brings together complementary areas of event infrastructure. eps specialises in temporary turf and ground protection systems, crowd control and visitor management, while NUSSLI provides temporary grandstands, stages, halls, stadiums and other event and special-purpose structures.
Founded 30 years ago, eps employs around 350 people at 29 locations and is involved in approximately 5,000 events annually, primarily across Europe, North America, Brazil and Australia.
NUSSLI has operated for 85 years and employs approximately 470 people across 21 locations. The Swiss company delivers around 1,500 projects each year and has a significant presence in Switzerland, Central and Southern Europe and the Americas.
Expanded event infrastructure offering
The companies said the merger will allow customers to source a wider range of temporary event infrastructure through a single group, while also giving both businesses access to each other`s geographical networks.
Their combined client base includes companies and organisations such as Live Nation, AEG, the International Olympic Committee, FKP Scorpio, Formula 1, ATP Tour and Red Bull, as well as major festivals including Coachella, Tomorrowland and Electric Daisy Carnival.
“We know from our clients that they prefer to work with a smaller number of suppliers in order to optimise coordination and meet ever-tighter schedules as well as stricter technical and organisational requirements,” said eps CEO Tom Bilsen.
“In addition, we will now also have a presence in markets where previously only one of the two companies was active.”
NUSSLI ownership transition
The transaction also represents an ownership transition for NUSSLI. An investor group led by Helvetica Capital invested in the company in 2017 and subsequently supported a restructuring and growth programme.
Following that process, the shareholders have now transferred the business to an industry-based, owner-managed group. eps owner Okan Tombulca is listed as owner of eps Nüssli Holding GmbH.
“Both companies are in a strong operational and financial position. That’s exactly why the timing is right: We’re acting from a position of strength,” said Group CEO Andy Böckli.
“The merger is geared toward growth: Additional markets and a broader range of services mean increased expansion, with a corresponding need for additional investments and employees.”
Pictured:Okan Tombulca, Owner, eps Nüssli Holding GmbH and Andy Böckli, Group CEO, eps Nüssli Holding GmbH