As the ticketing sector continues its march towards consolidation, IQ explores the impact of some of the most critical deals
The past 12 months have seen big-money deals by global firms who have been expanding their reach through buying up existing companies.
Eventim's major expansion into the €800 million French live music market will see it establish a joint venture with the retailer by the end of 2019. Under the proposed new structure, Eventim would acquire 48% of France Billet, with an option to increase its holding to a majority stake over the next four years. It is folding its Eventim French business into the partnership, and the established brands – which in addition to Francebillet.com include Fnacspectacles.com and Billetreduc.com – will remain in operation.
This move will be a blow for Paris-headquartered multimedia conglomeration Vivendi, which owns the local company Digitick and was the third-largest competitor behind France Billet and Ticketmaster.
Leapfrogging its rivals, Eventim has secured the top position in the ticketing space. However, it currently does not have a promoter presence in France, unlike Live Nation or Vivendi, the latter of which owns the venues L'Olympia (1,996-cap.) and TheaÌ‚tre de L'Œuvre (326-cap.) in Paris, as well as Olympia Production, the operator of a number of French festivals including Les DeÌferlantes (12,000-cap.) and Garorock (45,000-cap.).
Posted on: 26/09/2019Categories: News from IQ Magazine
