Last checked Sep 30, 2026
The Climbing Hangar (operated by Grip UK Ltd, trading as The Climbing Hangar)theclimbinghangar.comThe Climbing Hangar (operated by Grip UK Ltd, trading as The Climbing Hangar) is not currently listed as private-equity-owned.
Ownership & Acquisition History
The Climbing Hangar appears to be majority-controlled by Verlinvest (a family-backed evergreen investment company), so it is not treated as private-equity-owned under the provided definition.
Notes
- Verlinvest states it acquired a majority stake in The Climbing Hangar on 15 October 2024 and describes itself as a 'family-backed' 'evergreen investment firm/company' (not a PE fund/sponsor in the conventional sense).
- The Climbing Hangar’s own site states it started life in a Liverpool warehouse in 2011 (supporting founding year/location).
- Verlinvest’s announcement and portfolio page identify founder/CEO Ged MacDomhnaill and characterize the transaction as a majority stake investment alongside founder/management.
- Historical note (not current control): The Climbing Hangar previously received backing from 'private equity firm, NVM' and Mercia documentation references an initial investment led by NVM Private Equity in August 2018; however, these do not indicate current PE control after Verlinvest’s 2024 majority-stake acquisition.
Sources
- Verlinvest acquires leading UK bouldering gym operator, The Climbing Hangar
Verlinvest - Verlinvest majority stake; transaction date (15 Oct 2024); Verlinvest described as family-backed evergreen investment firm/company; founder identification.
- The Climbing Hangar (Portfolio/Brands page)
Verlinvest - Investment shown as '2024 - Active' and ties The Climbing Hangar to Verlinvest; confirms relationship and website.
- About Us
The Climbing Hangar (official website) - Founding year and founding location context ('started life in a Liverpool warehouse in 2011').
- Funding Heralds | The Next Phase of the Hangar
The Climbing Hangar (official blog) - Historical financing: states financial backing from 'private equity firm, NVM' (relevant to past PE involvement, not current control).
- GRIP-UK (t.a. The Climbing Hangar) – Northern Venture Trust annual report (PDF)
Mercia (Northern Venture Trusts) - Historical investment reference: 'Initial investment ... August 2018, led by NVM Private Equity' (past PE involvement).
- https://www.cbinsights.com/company/climbing-hangar
Web search - Consulted by the research agent
- https://www.liverpoolunlocked.co.uk/places/climbing-hangar-sandhills
Web search - Consulted by the research agent
- https://www.healthclubmanagement.co.uk/health-club-management-features/Ged-Macdomhnaill-The-Climbing-Hangar-founder/33781
Web search - Consulted by the research agent
- https://www.theclimbinghangar.com/blog/tch-at-15-ged-mac-on-mixing-business-with-pleasure
Web search - Consulted by the research agent
- https://www.mercia.co.uk/life-changing-indoor-rock-climbing-raises-4-0m/
Web search - Consulted by the research agent
- https://www.sportsmanagement.co.uk/pdf/SM_issue2_2019.pdf
Web search - Consulted by the research agent
- https://www.irishtimes.com/business/irish-founded-indoor-rock-climbing-company-raises-4m-1.4651175
Web search - Consulted by the research agent
Ownership FAQ
Is The Climbing Hangar (operated by Grip UK Ltd, trading as The Climbing Hangar) owned by private equity?
No. The Climbing Hangar (operated by Grip UK Ltd, trading as The Climbing Hangar) does not currently appear to be private-equity-owned.
Who owns The Climbing Hangar (operated by Grip UK Ltd, trading as The Climbing Hangar)?
Majority-owned/controlled by Verlinvest (a global, family-backed evergreen investment company); founder/management retain a minority stake
When was The Climbing Hangar (operated by Grip UK Ltd, trading as The Climbing Hangar) last checked?
This page was last checked on Sep 30, 2026.