Seatrade Cruise News is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

Bluestone Equity Partners invests in RWS Global

CRUISE_Ryan_Stana.jpg
Ryan Stana, founder and CEO of RWS
Global sports, media and entertainment private equity firm Bluestone Equity Partners made a minority investment in RWS Global, the world’s largest provider of live shows, destinations and immersive experiences across multiple sectors including cruise.

RWS Global is the combination of four companies — RWS, ted, JRA and ARC. From cruise ships, museums, theme parks and sports venues, to destinations and resorts, RWS Global casts more than 8,000 performers and technicians, delivering more than 1m live moments to audiences in over 50 countries.

Cruise clients include Azamara, Holland America Line, Marella Cruises, MSC Cruises and TUI Group.

'Bluestone partners with uniquely capable and scalable businesses to accelerate growth on a global basis, creating lasting value for all stakeholders,’ said Bobby Sharma, Bluestone’s founder & managing partner.

Ryan Stana

RWS founder and CEO Ryan Stana commented, ‘RWS Global is a perfect addition to Bluestone’s strategic growth equity portfolio, and as its first institutional investor, we’re excited to be an integral part of its next chapter as an industry pillar.’

RWS Global marks the second investment for Bluestone, which launched its inaugural $300m growth equity fund, in a single closing, during the first quarter of 2023.

In connection with this investment, Bluestone will hold two seats on RWS Global’s board of directors.