Investment type
- Management buyout
Zip World is the award-winning adventure park operator which features the world’s fastest zip line and has eight locations in Wales and England.
Investing for growth
In 2018 Zip World secured a significant minority investment from LDC, supported by the company’s existing banking partner, HSBC. The transaction valued the business at £45m.
LDC backed Zip World’s management team, led by founder Sean Taylor, who kick-started a growth strategy to enhance its sites with new rides such as Quarry Karts, the UK’s only mountain cart experience, and Titan 2, a new and improved quarry tour and zip lining experience, based in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Snowdonia National Park.
UK expansion
In 2023, Andrew Hudson was promoted to Chief Executive Officer to continue to expand Zip World’s portfolio of sites and experiences.
Today, Zip World operates 33 different adventures, including the world’s fastest zip line, Velocity, and a variety of other zips, climbs, drops and coasters, at its eight sites.
In addition to its adventures, Zip World has also continued to invest in its people, systems, merchandising and food and beverage. This includes the launch of luxury forest lodges and the renovation of its Tyn-y-Coed Hotel, further expanding its accommodation offerings in the region.
The company is also preparing to welcome visitors to Zip World London at the Queen Elizabeth Park in February 2025 and has plans to open a new site in Elterwater, Cumbria, later in 2025.
Positive impact
In 2024, an independent report from North Wales Tourism revealed Zip World has contributed £941m to the Welsh economy over the last decade. Zip World also announced its B Corp Certification, placing the business among a group of only 18 other adventure tourism organisations worldwide and one of just 47 B Corp-certified companies in Wales.
Exceptional growth
During its six year partnership with LDC, Zip World more than doubled the number of sites from its original three in North Wales, launched new adventure attractions and diversified into accommodation, including a hotel and luxury forest lodges.
As a result, Zip World increased turnover by 95% and grew headcount by 200% over the period.
In January 2025, LDC exited its investment in Zip World to direct equity investor Dolphin Capital, in a transaction that valued the company at more than £100m.
As LDC concludes their successful investment journey with us, we want to thank them for their support over the years. It has allowed us to stay resilient and achieve so many of our goals despite the significant disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Awards
Fastest growing consumer, wholesale and retail services firm
The Fast Growth 50 Wales 2023
Go Activity of the Year
Go North Wales 2019