Venu Finalizes $10.1M Investment Deal with Aramark to Power Venue Operations

The agreement also outlines preferred stock terms, revenue sharing, and contingency plans for delayed venue openings.

June 18, 2025

Venu Holding Corporation has locked in a $10.125 million equity investment from Aramark Sports and Entertainment Services, marking a strategic step forward in the development and management of its amphitheater properties.

This deal is now official, and it brings with it a long-term services agreement that puts Aramark at the center of operations for three major venues.

Venu’s agreement gives Aramark full responsibility for food, beverage, retail, and facilities services at the Ford Amphitheater in Colorado Springs, along with two in-progress Sunset Amphitheaters in McKinney, Texas and Tulsa, Oklahoma. At the same time, Aramark has taken a preferred equity stake in the company, purchasing 675 shares of Venu’s newly created Series B 4% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock. The shares were priced at $15,000 each.

What the Investment Means

This is more than a capital raise. Aramark is stepping in as both a financial partner and an operational engine across Venu’s growing venue footprint. In return, they’ll earn a cumulative 4% dividend on the preferred shares—paid in cash or common stock, depending on regulatory conditions. These shares don’t come with broad voting rights, but they do carry seniority when it comes to dividends and asset distributions.

Each share can be converted into 1,000 shares of common stock, and Venu has the right to trigger a conversion if the common stock consistently trades above $20. Ownership caps are also built in to prevent any one holder from exceeding 4.99% of the company’s outstanding common stock, with a potential increase to 9.99% upon notice.

Redemptions and Triggers to Watch

Redemption rights are central to the agreement. Holders of the Series B Preferred Stock can require Venu to buy back the shares—at full stated value plus accrued dividends—if the McKinney or Tulsa venues aren’t open by August 2027. The same option becomes available if Venu undergoes a structural change like a merger that shifts majority control. Venu can also choose to redeem shares after June 2030 under the same pricing terms.

There’s a separate, mandatory redemption clause tied directly to the service relationship with Aramark. If that agreement ends and isn’t replaced with a similar contract, Venu must redeem the shares in full. That ensures a financial backstop tied directly to operational continuity.

SEC Filing and Index Exclusion

To support liquidity for these shares, Venu has committed to registering the associated common stock with the SEC. A Registration Rights Agreement signed at closing requires the company to file and push for quick approval of a resale registration statement.

Separately, Venu shared an update on its expected inclusion in the Russell 3000 Index. Despite meeting float requirements and submitting documentation, the company was informed it won’t be included in the June 2025 reconstitution. According to the notice received, this was due to Russell’s inability to confirm free float eligibility. Venu expects to requalify in 2026 and plans to revisit the matter in the next inclusion cycle.

What Comes Next

This agreement puts both capital and infrastructure in place for Venu’s next growth phase. With Aramark signed on and construction underway in Texas and Oklahoma, Venu now has aligned operations, funding, and contingency protections across its portfolio. The structure of the deal makes clear how the company is positioning for scale while building in mechanisms to protect against risk and maintain investor alignment.