International TMT law firm Olswang has advised the shareholders of Encore Tickets, the UK's leading independent ticket supplier of theatre, restaurant and attraction tickets, on the sale of the company to ECI Partners, in a secondary buyout.

ISIS Equity Partners invested in Encore in 2010 as part of a founder led management buyout with a deal value in excess of £20m. Since that time, the business has evolved significantly and delivered strong growth, both organically and through acquisition. The exit has delivered a return of 2.8x for ISIS' institutional clients, ISIS IV.

Over the last four years, the Encore team has established a leading position in both B2B and B2C ticket distribution. This has included the successful launch and growth of www.theatrepeople.com, Encore's website. In 2011, the organic growth was augmented by the acquisition of West End Theatre Bookings, which significantly increased Encore's distribution scale.

Chris Mackie, Partner at Olswang, commented: "This has been another example of the ISIS team backing a tremendously successful business with a dynamic and driven management team; we were glad to be able to assist throughout the process and we have thoroughly enjoyed working with the team at Encore Tickets and look forward to continuing to work with them in the future."

John Wales, CEO at Encore Tickets, commented:  "We have enjoyed our partnership with ISIS over the last 3 years. We have significantly invested in IT and employed expert resource, which has resulted in a 150% increase in sales, now selling 1 in 5 of all West End Theatre tickets. We have worked with Chris and his team at Olswang since the time of the ISIS investment and they have done a great job for us, both on this transaction and throughout the last 3 years."

Olswang's Corporate team was led by Partner Chris Mackie, who was supported by Senior Associate Carsten Greve, Associate Beata Callenfels and Trainee Solicitor Katherine Teasdale.