Stageline Mobile Stage Inc., North American leader in mobile staging, welcomes new ownership group

July 2024 — The shareholders of Stageline Mobile Stage Inc. (Stageline), the Canada-based pioneer in mobile staging technology, have completed a transaction involving private equity funds BDG & Partners and the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, along with members of management and the company’s founder. This new ownership group is committed to supporting Stageline’s continued growth while ensuring continuity in leadership and operations.

Founded over 35 years ago, Stageline designs, manufactures, distributes and rents high-quality, fully automated hydraulic and electric stages with a global footprint. It is known for its innovation, manufacturing highly sophisticated equipment that incorporates mechanical and structural engineering, transportation, hydraulic and stage technology, all of which is manufactured in Canada. Stageline’s main products are mobile stages that are used at more than 30,000 events a year. The company also offers screen trailers that can be used in various settings, such as at sports events, as well as mobile marketing solutions. Clients choose Stageline’s products for safety, speed of installation, mobility and versatility, and can either buy or rent its products.

BDG is a Canadian private equity firm that aims to create value by investing in great businesses where its capital, strategic insight, global relationships and operational experience can contribute to the company’s further growth. Privately held, BDG was founded in partnership with a leading European private bank. This unique combination allows for a true entrepreneurial agility and the institutional depth of global capital and expertise.

The Fonds de solidarité FTQ is the largest development capital investment network in Québec. By using workers’ savings to support businesses in all regions and activity sectors as well as encouraging retirement savings, the Fonds has become a key stakeholder in Québec society.

Our role in the transaction

Oaklins’ team in Canada acted as the sell-side M&A advisor to Stageline in this transaction. Stageline’s shareholders, composed of both management and private equity, mandated Oaklins’ Canadian team to run a competitive sale process to find a partner that will support the company’s future growth while maintaining continuity in the company.