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Edition Capital, one of the UK’s leading live entertainment and media investment specialists, today announces the launch of an exciting new EIS fund (Enterprise Investment Scheme). The First Edition EIS offers investors tax efficient access to a portfolio of pre-identified companies in the dynamic and fast growing media and live entertainment sectors.

First Edition EIS, is a discretionary portfolio management service from a team with a rare blend of investment and true hands-on operational expertise.  It is seeking to raise £10m and is targeting a tax-free return of £2 for each £1 invested over an investment time horizon of four to six years.

With over 50 years’ experience, the Edition Capital team has successfully raised, invested and advised on some £300m of investments, including over £120m of EIS and VCT funds into businesses within the media and entertainment sectors. Most recently, the Edition Capital team led multiple EIS fundraises for Impresario Festivals, working with the company for three years before successfully negotiating the sale of Impresario’s festival assets that include popular festivals such as Rewind, SW4, Field Day and Boardmasters. This equates to current shareholder value of between £2.10 and £2.20 per share on an initial offer price of £1.

Edition Capital works closely with already profitable businesses looking for expansion capital.  They identify the best investment opportunities available, focusing on high quality businesses with strong management teams and exceptional growth potential.

Unlike many discretionary EIS Funds in the market, investors in First Edition EIS will know which underlying companies their monies will be invested in. First Edition EIS offers investors access to a minimum of three pre-identified companies in the live entertainment, television and venues sector.  Edition Capital takes a hands-on approach with every investee company, supported by board representation for each business.

Three of the pre-identified companies for the current tranche of fundraising are:

·        Mainstage Events – Profitable since inception, Snowboxx combines a ski holiday with a unique music festival experience. The investment will allow for new festivals to be rolled out at different resorts and the ski holiday proposition “Powered by Snowboxx” will be developed. Launched in 2012, this year’s event is close to sell-out and is taking place in Avoriaz from the 18^th March with Basement Jaxx as headliner and secured sponsorship from herbal liquor brand Jungrau.

·        Infinity Creative Media – Infinity Creative Media create and own the highest-quality television series, designed for global commercial exploitation across multi-platform outlets and live events. First Edition EIS will invest into “The Wine Show”; featured on ITV and shown in 106 countries, The Wine Show is partnered for sponsorship, retail or live experience with Aldi, Amazon, Taste London, Celebrity Cruises, Vacu Vin wine accessories and Starwood & Ritz Carlton hotels.

·        Little Door & Co – The “Little Yellow Door” concept is an immersive bar and restaurant styled as a house party taking place at a fictional flat-share. The investment will roll-out the profitable business from the original Notting Hill venue to encompass five sites across London over a four-year period, each styled to match the surrounding area, before considering international expansion and a membership concept. Ultimate Dinner Parties, Cocktail Tea Parties and Retro Games nights ensure maximum usage throughout the week unlike many traditional venues.

The First Edition EIS, which has a minimum investment of £10,000, attracts up to 30% income tax relief on investments up to £1m, capital gains tax deferral and Inheritance Tax relief when the investment is held for more than two years.

Commenting, Paul Bedford of Edition Capital said: “People are looking for new experiences with more than 3 in 4 millennials (78%) now choosing to spend money on a desirable experience or event over buying something desirable, and businesses are evolving and entering the market to meet that demand.  This has contributed to the continued growth of the British media and entertainment market, forecast to expand to £80 billion by 2018 and growing at 3.1 per cent per annum.  Our new EIS seeks to capitalise on the very best entrepreneurial and innovative businesses in these exciting sectors, using Edition’s commercial experience to guide these businesses to great success.”