Key Takeaways
- • KB Event Ltd completed a management buy-out led by CEO Richard Burnett and Sales Director Matt Jackson, with backing from investors Bob Harbey and H2 Equity Partners, marking the transition from founder ownership after 34 years of operation.
- • Founder Stuart McPherson, who established KB Event in 1992 alongside his wife Leanne, transitions to minority shareholder and advisory board capacity while the founders pursue separate ventures.
- • The MBO positions the business for expansion under new leadership, with stated plans to extend service offerings and accelerate growth across operational geography and logistics capabilities.
- • KB Event operates as a logistics provider specializing in complex live events and has established competitive positioning through sustainable transport innovations, including HVO fuel and electric vehicle deployment.
Summary
KB Event Ltd has completed a management buy-out transaction, transferring ownership from founder Stuart McPherson to a leadership-led consortium backed by private equity investors. The transaction closed on April 17, 2026, with CEO Richard Burnett and his management team acquiring the business from McPherson, who founded the company in 1992 alongside his wife Leanne. The acquisition is supported by investors Bob Harbey and H2 Equity Partners, representing a capital injection into the events logistics sector.
The transaction marks a significant ownership transition after more than three decades of founder stewardship. McPherson retains a minority equity stake and will serve in an advisory capacity to the board, while he and Leanne pursue external ventures. Richard Burnett now leads the company with his expanded management team, which includes Sales Director Matt Jackson among other senior leaders.
Under the new ownership structure, KB Event intends to accelerate expansion initiatives. According to the company's statement, the leadership team plans to enhance geographic reach and operational scale while broadening the range of logistics services offered to existing and prospective clients. The business has differentiated itself through sustainability-focused transport solutions, including adoption of HVO biofuel and electric truck deployment for event logistics operations.
The MBO reflects broader private equity interest in the logistics and event services sector, where established operators with demonstrated client relationships and operational expertise represent acquisition targets for growth-focused investors seeking to expand service offerings and market presence.
The transaction marks a significant ownership transition after more than three decades of founder stewardship. McPherson retains a minority equity stake and will serve in an advisory capacity to the board, while he and Leanne pursue external ventures. Richard Burnett now leads the company with his expanded management team, which includes Sales Director Matt Jackson among other senior leaders.
Under the new ownership structure, KB Event intends to accelerate expansion initiatives. According to the company's statement, the leadership team plans to enhance geographic reach and operational scale while broadening the range of logistics services offered to existing and prospective clients. The business has differentiated itself through sustainability-focused transport solutions, including adoption of HVO biofuel and electric truck deployment for event logistics operations.
The MBO reflects broader private equity interest in the logistics and event services sector, where established operators with demonstrated client relationships and operational expertise represent acquisition targets for growth-focused investors seeking to expand service offerings and market presence.
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