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Alternative asset and events investor Winarch Group has bought Wats On Events, a company that delivers premium bar operations for some of country’s biggest events, with plans to scale operations beyond its home base of Sydney.
The sale will see all full-time staff at Wats On Events, including general manager Ben Morgan, move across to Winarch Group which is described as a “long-term investor, developer and manager” of real estate in the industrial, tourism, retail, residential and events sectors.
Wats On Events founder and director Michael Watson, who established the business as Wats On Tap in 2009, will remain with the business to ensure a “smooth transition and continuity” for staff and the company’s clients.
Originally established as a beverage business catering to weddings, engagements and private functions, Watson has grown Wats On Events into a major festival and event bar management and brand activation event company over the past 16 years.
Among the major events the company has worked on are the Sydney Festival, the Sydney Writers Festival, Vivid Sydney and the Parramatta Lanes Festival.
Winarch Group has positioned the business within its newly launched Winarch Live division, which provides a range of venue, event, safety and management services.
The business sits alongside a growing portfolio of venues, music businesses, markets and event services that are delivered by Winarch Group, including the Cedar Mill Events precinct, a purpose-built music venue under construction in Lake Macquarie.
“At Winarch Group, we’re driven by a vision to reshape the live entertainment and tourism landscape through strategic investments and ambitious partnerships,” says Winarch Group founder and director Paul Lambess.
“Every acquisition we make adds to the human experience, and strengthens our ability to deliver world-class venues, live music events, and lasting experiences that support and help local and regional economies to thrive.”
Lambess says Wats On Events is a “natural extension” of that vision.
“It has carved out a unique position in the market, building a loyal following of customers and clients who genuinely love what it delivers,” he says.
“Michael and the team have built an impressive company that is in demand, respected and ready for growth.
“Integrating Wats On Events into Winarch Live is an exciting next step - one that allows us to scale the business, reach new markets and further strengthen our event capabilities across our existing portfolio. This is exactly the kind of business we look for, one with strong foundations, a great team and the potential to grow even bigger.”
The Winarch Live division is headed Ewen Craig and, apart from Cedar Mill Events, it operates The Olive Tree Market in Newcastle and The Finders Keepers markets in Sydney and Melbourne.
The company says it has “lofty growth ambitions” for Wats On Events, including expanding into other markets including Melbourne and driving growth through major food and beverage contracts over the next 18 months.
“Almost 16 years ago I sold my boat to fund the inception of this business, and I can’t believe how far it’s come,” says Watson.
“What began as a dry hire bar rental business, has grown and evolved into the well respected and thriving business it is today, and is something I am extremely proud of.
“I have been fortunate to have been involved in some extraordinary events and activations while leading Wats On Events.
“As a solo founder, who has been very hands-on and close to my amazing team, I’m chuffed Winarch Group acquired Wats On Events.”
Watson points out that the Winarch team has similar values to the Wats On Events crew.
“I’m confident they’ll continue to look after the company’s staff and the legacy of the business,” he says.
“We’ve built something truly unique and special, and I can’t wait to see how Winarch Group scales the company across the country.”
Groves & Partners managing director Andrew Whittingham, who advised Wats On on the sale, says it is reflective of a boon in mid-market merger & acquisition (M&A) transactions, driven partly by family businesses cashing out.
"The appetite among private equity, family offices, and sophisticated investors for transactions in the $3 to $100 million range has grown since COVID and is set to soar in 2025," says Whittingham.
"Wats On Events is a great example of a private equity firm in Winarch Capital looking beyond the current doom and gloom surrounding events and festivals and acquiring a well-established, credentialed, cash-generating company that fits well within their wider portfolio."
Financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed.
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