Latest news with #BenchmarkInternational
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
Shared Values Unite Tampa Bay Lightning, Benchmark International On Arena Rights Deal
Though Benchmark International has 14 offices around the globe, the stakes were planted in Tampa in 2010. In the 15 years since the mergers and acquisitions firm set up shop in the city's Westshore business district, it has since devoted much time to community support, including assisting the neediest. It is such a value system that appealed greatly to the Vinik Sports Group, which manages the Tampa Bay Lightning and the downtown Tampa venue within which the NHL club plays. The 29-year-old building, which was known as Amalie Arena since 2014, was rebranded Benchmark International Arena during a media event Wednesday. Visual branding that will become more apparent as the days tick toward the Lightning's October 9 home opener will merely serve as a welcome mat leading to a relationship among entities that have community investment at the core of their respective corporate blueprints. 'They're aligning with our values and our mission to deliver world-class experiences, drive real economic impact for this community as well as giving back to this community,' said Steve Griggs, vice chairman and CFO of the Vinik Sports Group, noting Amalie will continue to be a corporate partner. 'That's the most important piece when I look at this entire partnership and what I am most proud of.' The deal between Benchmark and VSG, terms of which were not disclosed, includes $3 million in contributions that will benefit Tampa Bay area non-profits with emphasis on health, education and hunger. 'What it really boiled down to, is we wanted to move forward with this partnership because there is a true alignment of culture,' said Tyrus O'Neill, Benchmark's CEO. 'The Vinik Sports Group really thinks about investing in the community and giving back and making an impact in the local Tampa Bay community. All of those things really resonated with who we are and what our brand is and what we want to do in the future.' Global company, larger stage The 14 Benchmark offices are scattered across 10 countries. O'Neill noted the firm employs 450 individuals who are dedicated to making deals across North America, Europe and Africa. He also described the firm as going about its business in a 'very quiet way.' The deal with VSG and the Lightning provides a level of visibility that will change that. 'Before today, Benchmark International publicly would not have been a household name,' said O'Neill, a University of Tampa grad. '(The naming rights deal) aligns us with the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are one of the most respected teams, if not the most respected team, in the NHL. This is putting us on a different national scale, which is going to help our clients, is going to help our market, is going to help all of our key stakeholders.' The Benchmark name will be on a venue that serves as the centerpiece surrounded by a downtown Water Street development that has been built up and built out since the pandemic. The energy surrounding the arena is unmistakable, which is something that can only help allow the company rise above its hushed tones and stand out, at least to some degree. Not that the average patron strolling through the venue's doors is going to be in need of Benchmark's services, or even know what the firm does, but more importantly may become educated on its impact outside those doors. Of course, it will take time to build such a desired level of momentum. 'At the end of the day, this is something that is a long-term investment for us and not about what we are doing today, but what's going to be in the future for both us and VSG,' said O'Neill. Busy summer for Lightning The naming rights deal caps an active summer for the Tampa Bay Lightning on several fronts. In May, the team announced it partnered with Scripps Sports to broadcast its games over the air and free to fans effective the 2025-26 season. Games will also be available via cable and satellite as well as streamed through a Lightning app. Scripps Sports, a division of the publicly traded E.W. Scripps media behemoth (NASDAQ: SSP), will carry the Lightning on WXPX-TV. The network, The Spot - Tampa Bay 66, began carrying news and entertainment programming July 1. The Lightning were the fourth NHL team that Scripps struck a deal with, joining the Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights and Utah Mammoth. Those attending Lightning games are treated to an event that goes beyond the game without being a disruption while enjoying the game. The team's event production crew at Benchmark International Arena was recognized for having the NHL's best game presentation during the 2024-25 season. The team was honored during the league's Stanley Awards event in Seattle in late July. It was the organization's first such award after having been finalists in 2022 and 2024. Add it all up, and it has been quite a summer for the Bolts. Of course, partnering with Benchmark is, well, a benchmark of sorts and one that hopefully resonates throughout Tampa as desired. 'It's long-term commitment to excellence and service,' said Griggs. 'It's a promise to our fans, partners and employees that we are just getting started.'
Washington Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Washington Post
The home of the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning renamed Benchmark International Arena
TAMPA, Fla. — The home of the Tampa Bay Lightning has a new name, Benchmark International Arena, after the NHL team unveiled a multiyear agreement Wednesday with the mergers and acquisitions company. The change takes effect immediately. The building that opened in 1996 had been known as Amalie Arena since 2014, and it was the site of the Lightning hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2021 for their second of back-to-back championships .
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The home of the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning renamed Benchmark International Arena
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The home of the Tampa Bay Lightning has a new name, Benchmark International Arena, after the NHL team unveiled a multiyear agreement Wednesday with the mergers and acquisitions company. The change takes effect immediately. The building that opened in 1996 had been known as Amalie Arena since 2014, and it was the site of the Lightning hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2021 for their second of back-to-back championships. Financial terms were not disclosed. Benchmark International and Vinik Sports Group, which owns the Lightning, said their partnership includes more than $3 million in nonprofit contributions to benefit the area. Vinik Sports Group CEO Steve Griggs called Benchmark 'a well-respected brand with global reach and strong ties to the Tampa Bay community' and said Amalie Motor Oil will continue to be a corporate partner of the organization. ___ AP NHL:
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
The home of the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning renamed Benchmark International Arena
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The home of the Tampa Bay Lightning has a new name, Benchmark International Arena, after the NHL team unveiled a multiyear agreement Wednesday with the mergers and acquisitions company. The change takes effect immediately. The building that opened in 1996 had been known as Amalie Arena since 2014, and it was the site of the Lightning hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2021 for their second of back-to-back championships. Financial terms were not disclosed. Benchmark International and Vinik Sports Group, which owns the Lightning, said their partnership includes more than $3 million in nonprofit contributions to benefit the area. Vinik Sports Group CEO Steve Griggs called Benchmark 'a well-respected brand with global reach and strong ties to the Tampa Bay community' and said Amalie Motor Oil will continue to be a corporate partner of the organization. ___ AP NHL:
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
VINIK SPORTS GROUP, BENCHMARK INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCE MULTI-YEAR NAMING RIGHTS PARTNERSHIP
Tampa, Aug. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vinik Sports Group (VSG) and Benchmark International, a global leader in mergers and acquisitions, today announced a multi-year naming rights partnership that will usher in a new era for Tampa Bay's premier sports and entertainment venue. Beginning August 13, 2025, AMALIE Arena will officially become Benchmark International Arena. 'We're proud to welcome Benchmark International as the new naming rights partner of our venue,' said Vinik Sports Group CEO Steve Griggs. 'Benchmark International is a well-respected brand with global reach and strong ties to the Tampa Bay community. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence, service, and community impact. As we transition to this new era, we are grateful for our long-time naming rights partner, AMALIE Oil, who will continue to be a corporate partner of our organization.' Benchmark International is a global mergers and acquisitions firm that provides business owners and operators with creative, value-maximizing solutions for growing and exiting their businesses. They bring decades of experience and an impressive track record, having closed more than $12.5 billion in transaction value across multiple industries. With headquarters in Tampa and offices worldwide, the firm is known for its strategic guidance and exceptional results for business owners and operators around the globe. 'This is a proud moment for Benchmark International, and another first in our market space,' said Benchmark International's Chairman and Co-Founder, Steven Keane. 'We are honored to partner with Vinik Sports Group and the Tampa Bay Lightning, organizations that, like us, are committed to delivering excellence and giving back to the community. Benchmark International Arena will continue to be a destination where unforgettable moments and community connection come together under one roof.' As part of the partnership, the arena will undergo a complete rebranding that includes new exterior and interior signage, digital integrations, and the official renaming of its premium club level to the Benchmark International Club Level, featuring The Mark as its signature all-inclusive experience. The agreement also includes joint community initiatives with over $3,000,000 in non-profit financial contributions that align with both organizations' desire to make a meaningful impact in Tampa Bay. 'This partnership is a celebration of the people who make Benchmark International what it is, from our dedicated team members across the globe, to the clients who trust us with the most important decisions of their lives,' added Tyrus O'Neill, CEO of Benchmark International Americas. 'We've built our reputation on delivering extraordinary results, and this opportunity allows us to bring that same energy into this exciting new chapter. Benchmark International Arena represents our continued investment in Tampa Bay, our passion for new ventures, and our belief in building something that lasts. We are proud to have our name on such a prestigious venue.' Since opening in 1996, the arena has hosted millions of fans, marquee events, and celebrated three Stanley Cup Championships. Today, it stands as the centerpiece of Tampa's vibrant sports and entertainment district in the heart of the Water Street neighborhood. This new partnership ensures continued investment in the guest experience while honoring the arena's great legacy as a world-class venue. The rebrand to Benchmark International Arena will roll out in phases, with new signage and activations debuting ahead of the 2025-26 Lightning season, presented by AdventHealth. To celebrate the naming transition, VSG and Benchmark International will host a series of free community events in mid-October. Details will be announced in the coming weeks. 'This arena belongs to everyone in Tampa Bay,' added Griggs. 'We're excited to invite fans, families, and the entire community to be part of this historic new chapter.' This landmark partnership was developed in collaboration with Oak View Group's Global Partnerships division, the team that connects world-class brands with premier live event and meeting destinations. Additional sponsorship announcements, including new food and beverage experiences in collaboration with Oak View Group, will be unveiled in the lead-up to the 2025-26 Lightning season, presented by AdventHealth, at Benchmark International Arena. About Vinik Sports Group Vinik Sports Group (VSG) is an entity established by Jeff Vinik to manage the three-time Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning (2004, 2020, 2021) of the National Hockey League and hold the leasehold rights to Benchmark International Arena, the 19,092-seat downtown Tampa home in which the team plays its games. The venue opened in 1996 and became Benchmark International Arena in August 2025 when the global mergers and acquisitions firm, Benchmark International, partnered with Vinik and the Lightning. Since 2010, Vinik has led a complete brand and business transformation of the Lightning and the arena, featuring a mostly private renovation of the publicly owned facility. Doug Ostrover and Marc Lipschultz joined the expanded ownership group of Vinik Sports Group in 2024, alongside Arctos, which initially joined in 2021. In addition to owning the Lightning and managing Benchmark International Arena, Vinik Sports Group, through TBSE, manages the Yuengling Center on the campus at the University of South Florida. About Benchmark International Benchmark International is a global M&A firm that provides business owners and operators with creative, value-maximizing solutions for growing and exiting their businesses. Benchmark International has handled over $12.5 billion in transaction value across various industries from its offices worldwide. With decades of M&A experience, Benchmark International's transaction teams have assisted business owners with achieving their objectives and ensuring the continued growth of their businesses. The firm has also been named the Investment Banking Firm of the Year by The M&A Advisor and the Global M&A Network, as well as the #1 Sell-side Privately Owned M&A Advisor in the World by PitchBook's and Refinitiv's Global League Tables Contact: Brian Breseman (813.301.6871, [email protected]) Chris Krenn (813.518.1255, [email protected]) Jarrod Rudolph (917.946.4807, [email protected]) Contact Info Jarrod Rudolph [email protected] +1 917-946-4807
