Leading UK adventure park operator and certified B Corp, Zip World, has announced a majority investment from direct equity investor, Dolphin Capital, marking a pivotal moment in Zip World’s ambitious plans for growth and expansion in 2025 and beyond.
Dolphin Capital has invested alongside Zip World founder, Sean Taylor, in a deal that values the company at more than £100m.
The transaction marks an exit for LDC, the private equity investor which is part of Lloyds Banking Group, and follows a successful six-year partnership in which Zip World increased turnover by 95% and grew headcount by 200%.
LDC originally backed founder Sean Taylor and the management team in December 2018 with a minority investment to support Zip World’s growth strategy. Since then, Zip World has more than doubled the number of sites from its original three in North Wales, launched new adventure attractions and diversified into accommodation, including a hotel and luxury forest lodges.
Today, it has eight sites across Wales and England, with adventures including the world’s fastest zip line, Velocity, and a variety of other zips, climbs, drops, and coasters across its locations. The business’ growth has also been supported by a significant investment in its people, systems, merchandising and food and beverage.
In 2024, an independent report from North Wales Tourism revealed Zip World has contributed £941m to the Welsh economy over the last decade and the business achieved B Corp Certification, making it one of only 18 other adventure tourism B-Corp-certified organisations worldwide and one of 47 in Wales.
Andrew Hudson, CEO of Zip World, said: “The leisure and hospitality sector has had its challenges over the past year, so I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved and that we’re able to continue growing and building on this. As LDC concludes their successful investment journey with us, we want to thank them for their support over the years which has allowed us to stay resilient and achieve so many of our goals despite the significant disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The transaction was led by Dewi Hughes, Rob Schofield and Vera Kuehne at LDC.
Dewi Hughes, Partner and Head of South West and Wales at LDC, added: “Zip World is a progressive, dynamic and ambitious business in the UK adventure space. It has achieved strong growth during our partnership thanks to the vision, tenacity and strength of its first-class management team, who have navigated opportunities and market challenges with relish. We’ve had the privilege of supporting this important Welsh business on its journey from our Welsh office and wish the team and Dolphin Capital the very best for what will no doubt continue to be an exciting story.”
The investment from Dolphin Capital is the latest in a series of positive developments for Zip World, as the company prepares to welcome visitors to its newest site, Zip World London, at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in February. The company is also opening a new site in Elterwater, Cumbria later in 2025.
In its existing estate, Zip World is awaiting the planning decision on a new attraction at Penrhyn Quarry, set to be the largest of its type in the world, enhancing the company’s adrenaline-filled attractions in North Wales.
Additional investment continues at Zip World Llechwedd with new restaurant facilities currently under construction and, in Manchester, the company’s plans for further adventures at the Heaton Park site are in for approval. Alongside these developments, Zip World is actively seeking new sites and partners across the UK to bring its unique adventures to even more locations.
Andrew Hudson, CEO of Zip World, added: “We’re incredibly excited to welcome Dolphin Capital as our new partner not least because they share the same enthusiasm as we do. Their investment not only validates our vision and strategy, but also provides us with the resources and support to really kickstart our latest growth plans. This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a big year.
“Investment is key for us, not only in our new sites but also in adding value to our existing locations. We’re thrilled to be opening in London and expanding our offering to communities across the UK, but North Wales remains at the heart of our company – it’s where it all started and it’s why we are continuing to reinvest in more adventures for the area.”
Dolphin Capital has considerable expertise in the hospitality and leisure industry, and Zip World will join Snowcentres Ltd, the UK’s leading provider of indoor snow sports activities, in their portfolio.
Dolphin Capital will support the management team at Zip World with its growth plans and provide financing for further acquisitions and attractions.
Richard Cook, Partner of Dolphin Capital, said: “We are delighted to support Zip World in their continued growth, and our investment reflects our confidence in the team’s operational ability, their expansion plans and the positive impact they make to the adventure tourism sector in the UK. We look forward to investing in the existing sites and opening more Zip Worlds in the coming years.”
LDC and Zip World were advised by KPMG (corporate finance), Blake Morgan (legal), Grant Thornton (tax) and Sedulo (tax), with ongoing support from HSBC Leveraged Finance Manchester.
Dolphin Capital was advised by Katz Advisers (corporate finance), Fladgate (legal) and BDO (financial & tax due diligence) and KPMG (tax).
