The operator of more than 30 UK theatres is to combine operations with a New York-based venue owner and producer.
International Entertainment Holdings Limited, parent company of Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), has agreed a merger deal with Broadway theatre and production company Jujamcyn Theaters LLC.
Together, the parties hope to combine production and venue resources, including expertise in ticketing, to “continue pushing the boundaries of live entertainment and enhance our theatres and customer experiences”.
ATG has presented blockbuster shows including Disney’s The Lion King, Wicked and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Its ATGtickets.com ticketing platform claims to attract more than 40 million unique visitors annually.
Jujamcyn owns five Broadway theatres and its current productions include the Tony Award-winning musical, Moulin Rouge.
Jordan Roth, President of Jujamycn, said: “Our companies share a passion for innovation and hospitality as well a deep belief in the power of theatre.
“By bringing our teams and talents together, we can bring out the best in each other to deliver that vision.”
Mark Cornell, CEO of ATG, said: “Our combined expertise and capabilities will enable producers and other creatives to bring their visions to life and create the unimaginable for our audiences”.
Subject to regulatory approval, the merger is expected to be completed this year.