One of Wales' leading firms Zip World sold in a £100m deal

Adventure giant Zip World has been sold in a £100m plus deal that paves the way for further expansion. It has become majority-owned by Oxfordshire-based equity investor Dolphin Capital.

The deal provides a profitable exit for LDC, which took a significant minority stake following a multi-million-pound equity investment in the business back in 2018. Since then it has increased turnover by 95% and grown headcount by 200%.

Llanrwst-based Zip World was founded in 2013 by former Royal Marine Commando Sean Taylor, who retains a minority stake following the acquisition.

It now 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.

Last year an independent report from North Wales Tourism revealed it contributed £941m to the Welsh economy over the last decade.

Andrew Hudson, chief executive 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 man