Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024

Acquisition Of Wellington International Finalized

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Former ownership group – Mark Bellissimo, Marsha Dammerman, Lisa Lourie, and Roger Smith – complete purchase of Wellington International

Acquisition includes Chronicle of the Horse and Showgrounds Live

WELLINGTON, Fla. – Nov. 22, 2024 – The former majority owners of Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, Mark Bellissimo, Marsha Dammerman, Lisa Lourie, and Roger Smith (“the Partners”), formed a new entity, WI FL Acquisition, LLC (“the Company”), and have completed the purchase of Wellington International from Global Equestrian Group (“GEG”). The Company confirmed Murray S. Kessler will lead the new Wellington International as Chief Executive Officer. The Company also confirmed the purchase included The Chronicle of the Horse and Showgrounds Live LLC. 

“We are grateful to have Wellington International back into a local and long-term ownership group, committed to ensuring the showgrounds thrive for years to come. All disciplines will continue to have a home here in Wellington including show jumping, hunters and dressage,” stated Mark Bellissimo.  “These sports, along with polo, define this community and firmly establish Wellington as the premier equestrian destination in the world. We look forward to investing in the showgrounds and working with Michael Stone and the leadership team going forward. Special thanks to City National Bank CEO Jorge Gonzalez and Market Executive David Albright for stepping up in support of the transaction in such a short time frame and continuing our great partnership.”

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Kessler offered, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Wellington International President Michael Stone and his team to capitalize on this remarkable growth opportunity for Wellington. While our investment plan is a multi-year journey, I’m pleased to share that we are already making some meaningful enhancements to improve the experience and infrastructure for the horses, athletes, partners and spectators for this coming season. I’m also excited to work with The Chronicle of the Horse and Showgrounds Live and support their important roles in the broader equestrian industry.”

Wellington International is home to the Winter Equestrian Festival (“WEF”), which is the largest and longest-running equestrian competition series in the world, hosting 42 weeks of competition annually across the equestrian disciplines of show jumping, hunters, dressage and para-dressage and welcoming over 350,000 spectators, 15,000 horses and 7,500 competitors. In 2024, WEF contributed more than $400 million in economic impact to Palm Beach County.

“With the sale process complete, we can now turn to what we do best – focusing on the shows, the horses, the riders and the equestrian season here in Wellington with a renewed purpose and committed ownership group,” noted Stone.

“Wellington International Horse Show is the anchor of the Wellington community. When it is strong, our community is strong,” offered Kessler. “We are ready to turn our attention and resources to ensure that Wellington International remains the premier horse sports destination in the world.”

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