Pacha has left Ibiza behind and, true to Universo Pacha SA, aims to expand beyond the Balearic archipelago in a bid for broader, universal appeal. Trilantic Europe, through Akdeniz Sky International SA, holds 87 percent of its shares and views the two concessionaries as strong enough to lift profitability beyond Pitius, where most of the business has been concentrated. The strategy involves establishing operations in the United Kingdom and the Persian Gulf, among other locations, signaling a shift toward a more global footprint and a possible partner search advertised in banners seen in public spaces.
The banner, visible for days after El Confidencial disclosed the matter, notes that Universo Pacha was sold for 500 million euros, a sum nearly 200 million euros above what Trilantic paid its founder Ricardo Urgell in 2017. Universo Pacha quickly clarified that the move was not about selling the brand, but about integrating a new brand to support expansion. A company spokesperson stated that the group is evaluating a merger with a partner to finance an ambitious international and national growth project. Universo Pacha SA plans to open three new ventures: a London restaurant anticipated to debut early in the year, a Mallorca venue planned for the next summer season, and a beach club in Marbella expected to be operational by the following summer, in collaboration with Seville-based Rosauro Varo, president of GAT Inversiones.
The overarching aim is to enhance brand visibility and leverage it as a valuable asset to accelerate international reach. After two drought-stricken seasons, the cherry trees appear to be bearing fruit again this year, with management signaling the return to pre-pandemic profitability levels. An investment source described the year as extraordinary, underscoring the notable rebound in activity.
Since 2017, Trilantic has pursued a strategy of leveraging Pacha’s entertainment know-how abroad to boost profitability outside its Ibiza stronghold. The fund pointed out that concentrating almost all income in a single market does not align with a global brand, highlighting the potential for diversification. Various interested parties have already approached to discuss an expansion plan, though final decisions have not been made. Universo Pacha’s spokesperson noted that talks with potential investors are ongoing and that any arrangement will depend on who eventually participates.
Questions linger about whether Trilantic will continue to manage Pacha or divest part of its holdings. The spokesperson emphasized that the current objective is to find a partner who can support the project’s development, while avoiding premature speculation about outcomes. Trilantic Europe has investments across several sectors, including tires and major transport hubs, and has previously supported ventures in aerospace and telecommunications, with some exits taking place after strategic restructuring.
Universo Pacha has also countered assertions that the financial impact of the COVID-19 crisis directly triggered the push for an investment partner. The group’s revenue declined from 47.4 million euros in 2019 to 4.2 million euros in 2020, and earnings swung from a positive margin to a substantial deficit during the lockdown year. Despite those losses, the company has shown signs of recovery, with expectations of improved results in the upcoming summer season.
Historically, Ibiza accounted for a large share of the founder’s wealth. Today, only a 10 percent stake remains in the founder’s family, held for his daughter Iria Urgell Calderón. The founder has indicated that new generations may not share the same professional interest in the nightlife business, prompting reflections on the business’s future direction. In a public remark, he acknowledged the emotional weight of past decisions, noting that the decision to transfer ownership was made with the heirs’ involvement and acceptance. Iria Calderón continues to maintain a connection to the business, though the family’s active role appears to be evolving as plans for expansion unfold.