ST. PAUL, Minn., April 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Star Media LLC (Blue Star), a leading producer and promoter of consumer shows and events, has announced the acquisition of Minneapolis based VEE Corporation (VEE). The acquisition was announced today by Sanjay Syal, founder and CEO of Blue Star Media LLC, and David Benyaminy, Partner at AUA Private Equity Partners, the lead investment partner in Blue Star Media LLC.
VEE is one of the most experienced and respected names in family-friendly entertainment. Noted for their 35-year partnership with Sesame Workshop, the non-profit educational organization behind the award-winning television program Sesame Street, to produce Sesame Street Live, VEE has entertained millions of children, parents and caregivers around the world with its live touring stage shows. Historic VEE productions were based on beloved television properties including Dragon Tales, Jim Henson's The Muppets and Muppet Babies, Bear in the Big Blue House, Curious George and Barney. Also, with the expertise of its specialized subsidiaries, VEE Production Services and Costumes & Creatures, VEE is recognized for its production workshop which provides entertainment, promotion and event marketing services for other brands through custom-designed shows, mascots, and other promotional events.
In connection with the acquisition, Vince Egan, founder of VEE Corporation, has announced his retirement.
"It has been an honor to run VEE Corporation for the last 35 years," Egan said. "While it was a difficult decision, I am proud of our accomplishments and am confident I have left VEE in very capable hands."
"I have admired VEE Corporation for many years and am very excited about the synergies they add to our business," said Syal, who will continue to lead both companies through their next stage of growth. "With their international experience, and venue and licensor relationships, they will accelerate our growth both in the United States and abroad."
Together the companies will own, operate and promote three North American tours including: Discover the Dinosaurs, a dinosaur-themed, family-oriented, educational and entertainment touring exhibit; Sesame Street Live, a Broadway-quality musical production, produced in cooperation with Sesame Workshop; and Hello Kitty's Supercute Friendship Festival, a lifestyle event that entertains beyond a traditional stage show offering a unique, multi-component festival atmosphere, produced in partnership with Sanrio, the global lifestyle brand best known for Hello Kitty.
"Like Blue Star, VEE has also been a strong leader in their industry, and the combined companies will give us diversification and an even broader market presence," Benyaminy said. "We look forward to partnering with VEE as we work together to build Blue Star into a leading multi-concept event, media and entertainment platform."
Blue Star and VEE will be collectively led by a stellar management team, comprised of Sanjay Syal (Blue Star CEO), David Modica (VEE COO), James Andacht (Blue Star COO), Jim Waters (VEE SVP of Production and Producer), Anthony Flaminio (Blue Star CFO), Kevin Kulas (VEE SVP of Booking and Promotions) and Peter Englehart (Blue Star Executive Producer).
ABOUT AUA PRIVATE EQUITY PARTNERS
AUA Private Equity Partners is a New York-based, operationally-focused, lower middle-market private equity firm making control and significant minority equity investments in companies in the consumer, media, and business services sectors with a particular focus on U.S. Hispanic-oriented companies and/or family owned businesses. AUA Private Equity Partners is a next generation investment manager successfully capturing the rising tide of the evolving U.S. Demographic landscape.
ABOUT BLUE STAR MEDIA LLC
Blue Star Media LLC is based in Shoreview, MN is one of the nation's leading producers and promoters of consumer shows and events, having promoted more than 2,000 shows over the last 20 years. The company currently own, operates and promotes Discover the Dinosaurs, a dinosaur-themed, children and family-oriented, educational and entertainment touring exhibit and show. Since 2012, approximately three million visitors have attended Discover the Dinosaurs. Over 140 cities are on the U.S. tour in 2015.
ABOUT VEE CORPORATION
Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, VEE Corporation is one of the most experienced and respected names in family-friendly entertainment. VEE Corporation has delighted millions of children around the world with live touring stage shows since Sesame Street Live's debut performance in 1980. VEE also provides entertainment, promotion and event marketing services for the world's most respected brands and agencies. Clients and partners in the corporate, sports, museum and event marketing sector come to VEE for imaginative solutions to capture the undivided attention of their customers and audiences through custom designed/built interactive environments.
Information on AUA Private Equity Partners, visit www.auaequity.com
Information on VEE Corporation, visit www.VEE.com
Information on Discover the Dinosaurs, visit www.discoverthedinosaurs.com
Information on Sesame Street Live, visit www.sesamestreetlive.com
Information on Hello Kitty's Supercute Friendship Festival, visit www.Sanrio.com/HKFestival
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150403/196540LOGO
SOURCE Blue Star Media LLC
WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?
Newsrooms &
Influencers
Digital Media
Outlets
Journalists
Opted In
Share this article