Crossroads Live acquires Australian producer Gordon Frost Organisation

Entertainment company Crossroads Live has acquired Australian commercial theatre producer the Gordon Frost Organisation.

Crossroads Live is an investment company specialising in global live entertainment and is a portfolio company of US private equity firm Raven Capital Management.

It is run by theatre producers Tom McGrath and David Ian, investor and entrepreneur Dan Miller - who is president of the company, and investor Jeremy Tucker.

According to Crossroads Live the acquisition represents a "transformative step" as it "builds the first truly global company for touring musical theatre production".

It follows the acquisition of London-based David Ian Productions in 2019.

Securing a base in Sydney will also help the company to move into markets in South East Asia, the Middle East, India and China.

Major productions from the Gordon Frost Organisation include Wicked, Chicago, Grease, Dirty Dancing and The Book of Mormon.

The company also has a partnership to produce musicals with Opera Australia, which has included South Pacific, The King and I, Anything Goes, Julie Andrews’ production of My Fair Lady and Evita.

McGrath, who is chairman and chief executive of Crossroads Live, said: “The acquisition of the Gordon Frost Organisation further establishes Crossroads Live as the leading producer of international touring theatrical productions.

"Having the benefit of [the Gordon Frost Organisation’s chief executive] John Frost’s knowledge and influence, alongside the current team, is a hugely important milestone in our company’s growth.

"CXL and our partners at Raven Capital Management will continue to seek out compelling opportunities to grow our business globally and especially in Asia, where the next great boom in the theatre industry is already underway."

Ian, who is a director of Crossroads Live, said the acquisition fulfilled a long-term goal of acquiring a permanent presence in Australia.

He added: "[Frost] has been a close friend and collaborator for many years and I am absolutely thrilled he is now part of our organisation.

"Together, we offer a truly unique value proposition to the creators of new and iconic musical theatre production originating in the West End and Broadway, and to our presenting partners across the globe."

Frost added: "This transaction honours GFO’s legacy as we look to our future.

"Joining forces with CXL positions GFO for significant growth opportunities as we align our outstanding management team and deep relationships across the landscape of the Australian theatre industry with CXL’s financial strength, complementary creative relationships and impressive slate of iconic and original touring productions."