ATG investigation

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is continuing its investigation of the proposed acquisition by the Ambassadors Theatre Group (ATG) of 16 theatre venues from Live Nation. Questions have been issued to theatre owners, producers and promoters to enable the OFT to assess the potential impact of the move, particularly in relation to large-scale touring musicals. Promoters have been asked to identify core venues which make touring viable, and are asked how the merger might “impact your choice of venue operator in the UK”. Theatre owners have been asked whether the ATG acquisitions would be potential competitors. The OFT’s decision is expected on 27 January.