Ticket merger may raise prices

A potential merger between Ticketmaster Entertainment Inc, the international live entertainment ticketing and marketing company, and Live Nation, the largest producer of live concerts in the world, has been referred to the Competition Commission (CC) by the London Office of Fair Trading. The CC has invited evidence from any interested parties as to “whether the acquisition may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the UK”. Although the majority of both companies’ business is in rock, pop and comedy, some arts organisations currently choose to sell or resell their tickets through Ticketmaster. Roger Tomlinson of ACT Consultant Services told AP that “there are undoubtedly serious concerns in some people’s minds about these two giants getting together, especially in terms of the impact on the public, who could face ever-higher ticket prices and fees with little competition for these big brands”. In a joint statement, Ticketmaster and Live Nation claimed that the move would offer “greater choice and access for fans and artists while providing much-needed growth”. Those wishing to give evidence should contact David Fowlis at the CC.