BTG secures sale of broadcast equipment firm supplying the World Cup in accelerated acquisition

BTG has advised on the accelerated acquisition of ES Broadcast Hire Limited by Rcapital Partners LLP as part of a wider restructuring process of its parent company ES Media Group.

The BTG team, led by Felix Connolly, partner in Financial Advisory and M&A at the group, completed the deal for the sale of ES Broadcast Hire to Rcapital on 6 July 2026, after Watford-based ES Media Group approached BTG for advice on its options following cashflow and HMRC pressure.

BTG identified an opportunity to carve-out ES Broadcast Hire from ES Media Group as part of a complex, cross-border restructuring of the group, inviting offers for the business on an accelerated basis. Throughout the process BTG ensured all critical creditors were paid to terms.

The acquisition by Rcapital also sees the 26 jobs of the ES Broadcast Hire team preserved, secured lenders and creditors kept whole, HMRC arrears settled in full, and ES Broadcast Hire now operating as an independent, standalone business. 

ES Broadcast Hire is a global leader in the provision of high-end broadcast equipment for rental, serving global content providers including broadcasters, sports organisations, production companies, facility providers, studios, and event operators. Operating globally with offices in the UK, USA, France and Spain, the business has also been able to continue operations uninterrupted for important upcoming work, including equipment for international broadcasts of the FIFA World Cup.

Felix Connolly, Partner at BTG, said:

“This was a highly complex deal for a company which spanned multiple jurisdictions and needed to negotiate with multiple creditors that have invested in or lent money to the business. ES Broadcast Hire is a business that has significant potential, including opportunities connected to major global events such as the World Cup.”

“We set out a strategy that would restructure the company, generate stability and ensure no disruption for international viewers of the World Cup. Under its new ownership we are sure that ES Broadcast Hire and its employees can look forward to a bright future with the support of Rcapital.”

Warren Taggart, Managing Director of ES Broadcast Hire, said:

“We are delighted with the investment from Rcapital, which facilitates the carve-out of ES Broadcast Hire from its wider group and provides the business with an excellent platform for growth. There are huge opportunities to scale the business with focussed investment. We are excited to have found a partner who has demonstrated a deep understanding of our business and clear alignment on strategy”.

Lewis Burnham, Investment Director at Rcapital, said: 

“ES Broadcast Hire is a genuine market leader in the provision of high-end broadcast equipment across the world. It is already a highly-successful and profitable business and we look forward to working with the excellent and highly-motivated management team to support them in their growth plans. This has been a complicated transaction and we would like to express our thanks to the advisors who supported the transaction”.