Clairvest and ECL acquire New Hampshire-based gaming assets

ECL is a gaming operator, which owns and operates multiple historical horse racing facilities in Kentucky.

  • Clairvest and ECL have acquired NHCG and The River Property & Hospitality Group
  • The partners intend on operating NHCG at its current locations for the time being, but are finalizing plans for a large-scale permanent historical horse racing facility in Nashua, New Hampshire
  • The NHCG investment represents Clairvest’s 15th in the gaming industry

Clairvest Group, a Canadian private equity firm, has partnered with ECL Entertainment to acquire licensed gaming assets that will enable them to build a gaming operation in Southern New Hampshire. No financial terms were disclosed.

The partners have acquired NHCG and The River Property & Hospitality Group, which operate the Lucky Moose Casino and Tavern and The River Casino & Sports Bar, both located in Nashua, New Hampshire.

ECL is a gaming operator, which owns and operates multiple historical horse racing facilities in Kentucky, including the Mint at Kentucky Downs.

Clairvest and ECL intend on operating NHCG at its current locations for the time being. But they are finalizing plans for a large-scale permanent historical horse racing facility in Nashua, which they hope to open in late 2024.

The NHCG investment represents Clairvest’s 15th in the gaming industry.

“We are excited to partner with ECL and their seasoned team on this gaming project,” said Michael Wagman, president and managing director of Clairvest, in a statement. “Together with ECL’s deep experience and proven track record of building and operating HHR assets, we believe NHCG will be a successful local market gaming facility and provide both entertainment and immediate economic benefits to the community.”

Based in Toronto, Clairvest invests its own capital and that of third parties through the Clairvest Equity Partners funds in owner-led mid-market businesses. It has more than C$3.3 billion of capital under management.