Global sports consulting firm acquires Rise Group: US-based global sports and entertainment consulting firm Elevate Sports Ventures has acquired Dubai-headquartered commercial consultancy Rise Group, marking its regional entry and expanding operations to Riyadh, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. The transaction — pending regulatory approval — adds 60 Rise staff to Elevate’s global workforce and brings clients like Neom, Qiddiya, and the Saudi Pro League under Elevate’s umbrella, the company said in a statement.

Post-acquisition plans: Rise’s founders will take leadership roles within the group, with the combined entity set to lead regional activations for the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers as part of the league’s Global Market Program. Rise will also be rebranded and folded into Elevate over the next few months, Rise co-founder and managing partner Seth Holmes said on a podcast (listen, runtime: 35: 27).

Elevate’s global footprint: Elevate has deployed its capital across a strong profile of minority shares in sports franchises globally, including with UK premium league teams and US NFL and NBA teams like Golden State Warriors and the Philadelphia 76ers. Elevate’s CEO Al Guido (LinkedIn) is also president of the San Francisco 49ers, while 49ers Enterprises own the UK’s Leeds United football club.

Rise has a substantial footprint as well, having worked with regional big hitters including Neom and the Dubai Sports Council, and Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism. Currently its workforce is split between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Jeddah.

Behind the takeover: The acquisition points to global interest and investment in the commercialization of sport in the region, and in Saudi Arabia in particular, Holmes said, pointing to KSA’s sports investment drive, including a successful world cup bid, as attracting international firms to the region.

OTHER M&A NEWS-

Newly-formed Al Ain Farms Group has completed the acquisition of GCC poultry product farm operator Arabian Farms, according to a press release. Arabian Farms is a joint venture between Bugshan Investment, the investment arm of the Bugshan family office, and Saudi Arabia’s Sedco Holding, and the transaction will see the two exit the JV.

Background: In July, Ghitha subsidiary Al Ain Farms for Livestock Arabian Farms, acquired Arabian Farms for AED 240 mn.

ADVISORS- Arabian Farms tapped Ernst & Young Corporate Finance as lead financial advisor for the transaction, and EY Law LLP served as its legal counsel.

Sound familiar? Launched at the Make it in the Emirates Forum 2025 last week, Al Ain Farms Group brings together five UAE brands — Al Ain Farms, Marmum Dairy, Al Ajban Chicken, Al Jazira Poultry Farm, and Saha Arabian Farms — under one umbrella. The group is backed by Ghitha Holding and Yas Holding, and is aiming to expand its regional footprint.

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