Leisure

The leisure industry is large and diverse.  Sub-sectors include travel distribution, hotels and resorts, local leisure, betting and gaming, and hospitality.  Across the world leisure spend has increased – significantly faster than GDP in many markets.  As with all consumer markets it benefits from rising wealth but firms must navigate the changes in spending arising from strong demographic trends and shifts in taste.

The businesses we seek to partner in this market include:

  • Niche travel providers – online distribution and low-cost flights have opened opportunities for travel players to focus on the needs of niche groups where spending is rising.  In the UK, for example, spending on short breaks increased by 90% between 1998 and 2004.
  • Restaurants and hospitality capable of roll-out – in some markets, over 50% of total food expenditure is spent on eating out.  Well-targeted offerings can deliver rapid growth through opening new outlets.
  • Health and fitness – a growing concern among consumers across the world.  The level of provision varies enormously, creating opportunities for fast-growing formats in less well-served markets.
  • Betting and gaming – a high-growth sector in many markets.  We are selective investors in responsibly-managed companies that address this growth.
  • Companies tailoring an international formula to the needs of a particular market – some leisure formats appeal throughout the world, such as McDonalds.  Usually, however, a perceptive national business will be capable of holding a leading position.