Clarion 

Capital 

Partners 

Acquires 

Arthur 

Murray 

International, 

Inc. 

Clarion Capital Partners Acquires Arthur Murray International, Inc.

New York, NY – December 10, 2024 – Clarion Capital Partners, LLC (“Clarion”), in partnership with ballroom dance legend Gary Edwards, has completed the acquisition of Arthur Murray International, Inc. (“Arthur Murray”), an international franchisor of dance studios. The 112-year-old company now counts 300 dance studios in two dozen countries across the globe. Edwards, an ambassador for Arthur Murray for the last 20 years, will serve as CEO.

The acquisition positions Arthur Murray to build on its storied history and continue its impressive growth as new generations discover the art, fun, and health benefits of ballroom dance.

Edwards succeeds Philip S. Masters as CEO. Masters owned the company for 60 years, presiding over its reinvention in the 1960s, its buildout into a global enterprise, and its continued expansion in recent years amid a deepening popular interest in ballroom dance. As a visionary leader, he redefined the dance industry with innovative strategies and a profound understanding of market dynamics. Under his stewardship, Arthur Murray flourished, establishing itself as a cornerstone in dance education and franchise operations globally. The ballroom dance community last week learned of Masters’ tragic passing at the age of 97.

“Phil Masters embodied the best of ballroom as a dancer, teacher, and leader. As we mourn his passing, I am committed to honoring his legacy by continuing his incredible work,” said Gary Edwards. “It has been my privilege to work alongside Phil and his wife, Margaret, as they built the company into a cornerstone of ballroom culture, and I’m energized by the opportunity to carry their vision forward and lead Arthur Murray into its next era.”

Edwards has spent over four decades immersed in the dance industry, earning a reputation as a distinguished leader and innovator. As a world-ranked dancer, his competitive achievements have solidified his status within the dance community. In addition to his vast expertise in dance education and studio management, Gary also brings a strong presence in the media world, having collaborated on various dance projects, television appearances, and productions that celebrate the art of dance.

“For the last sixty years, Phil and I welcomed the Arthur Murray team into our family,” said Margaret Masters, Arthur Murray’s Director of Franchisee Relations. “I have the utmost confidence that Arthur Murray and Phil’s legacy will live on as the company continues to grow and thrive, introducing new populations to the joys of ballroom dance.”

“Clarion is honored to partner with Gary Edwards to continue the Arthur Murray legacy Phil Masters built," said Clarion Partner, Eric Kogan. “Just last year, over 26 million people in the United States alone participated in dance, a 22 percent increase over a decade. Arthur Murray is more than a dance company. It is a vital and growing community of dancers of all levels united by their passion for this art and the enjoyment it provides. We’re excited to continue the incredible legacy Phil built with the company.”

Arthur Murray was represented in the transaction by Caldera Law as legal advisor and Citicourt & Co. as financial advisor. Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP and Greenberg Traurig, LLP represented Clarion. Stellus Capital Management provided financing for the deal.