Region: Latin America

Live Nation Expands Its Global Platform By Acquiring Leading Mexico Promoter OCESA Entertainment

LOS ANGELES and MEXICO CITY, July 24, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV), the world’s leading live entertainment company, has entered into definitive agreements to acquire a controlling interest in OCESA Entretenimiento, a leading promoter in Latin America and owner of Ticketmaster Mexico from CIE (BMV: CIE), a prominent player in the live entertainment industry in Latin America, and Grupo Televisa (NYSE: TV), the largest multimedia company in the Spanish-speaking world.

One of the most prominent live events businesses globally, OCESA promotes more than 3,100 events for nearly 6 million fans annually across Mexico and Colombia and has a robust business portfolio in ticketing, sponsorship, food & beverage, merchandise, and venue operation with 14 premier venues across Mexico with a collective capacity of nearly 250,000 seats. OCESA’s primary ticketing business, Ticketmaster Mexico, is a leading ticketing company in Mexico, with more than 37 million tickets sold annually. As part of the transaction, Live Nation will also acquire an interest in OcesaSeitrack, OCESA’s booking and artist management joint venture; CREA, one of Mexico’s special and corporate event specialists; and Centro Citibanamex, an exhibition and convention center in Mexico City.

This move furthers Live Nation’s goal of building its global live entertainment platform, allowing the company to better service artists who now travel the world to play to their expanding global fan base.

“OCESA has been Live Nation’s touring, festival, and ticketing partner in Mexico for years, and I admire the business Alex has built,” said Michael Rapino, President and CEO, Live Nation Entertainment. “This next step is a logical extension for both our teams, and we look forward to working on many more shows together.”

“We are extremely proud to join Live Nation,” said Alejandro Soberón Kuri, President and CEO of CIE. “This evolution of our long-standing relationship with Live Nation gives us a unique opportunity to continue OCESA´s 30-year contribution to the development of the Mexican live entertainment industry. In addition, this will further foster CIE´s commitment to the promotion of Mexican artistic talent abroad.”

Soberón Kuri will serve as CEO and sit on the board of the newly-formed joint venture. Rapino will become Chairman of the venture’s board of directors.

The acquisition has been approved by the boards of directors of Live Nation, CIE, and Televisa. The consummation of the transactions is subject to the approval of the relevant regulatory authorities and other customary closing conditions. Live Nation anticipates that the transactions will close by the end of 2019. LionTree Advisors is serving as financial advisor to Live Nation in connection with the transaction.

This acquisition, including material information pertaining thereto, may be discussed on Live Nation’s previously-scheduled Q2 2019 earnings call, which will be held on Thursday, July 25 at 5:00pm Eastern Time.  Interested parties should visit the “News / Events” section of Live Nation’s website at investors.livenationentertainment.com to listen to the webcast.  Supplemental statistical and financial information to be provided on the call, which may include information about the acquisition, if any, will be posted to the “Financial Info” section of the website. A replay of the webcast will also be available on the Live Nation website.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements, including the expected closing of the proposed transactions described herein and the time frame in which this will occur.  Statements regarding future events are based on Live Nation’s current expectations and are necessarily subject to associated risks related to, among other things, regulatory approval of the proposed transactions or that other conditions to the closing may not be satisfied, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the definitive agreements related to the proposed transactions, and general economic conditions.  Therefore, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements.  The forward-looking statements included herein are made only as of the date hereof, and Live Nation undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason, whether as a result of changes in underlying factors, new information, future events or otherwise. Live Nation refers you to the documents it files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, specifically the section titled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of its annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, which contains and identifies important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in Live Nation’s forward-looking statements.

About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE:LYV)  is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts and Live Nation Sponsorship.  For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.

About Corporacion Interamericana de Entretenimiento
Corporacion Interamericana de Entretenimiento (BMV: CIE) is a prominent player in the out-of-home entertainment industry in Latin America. The Company is a promotor and producer of concerts, music festivals, theater, as well as sports, family, and cultural events. CIE operates Centro Citibanamex, a convention and conference venue in Mexico City, as well as the El Salitre Magico amusement park in Colombia. Likewise, the Company produces corporate events for the public sector. CIE promotes and markets the Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix.

About Grupo Televisa
Televisa is a leading media company in the Spanish-speaking world, an important cable operator in Mexico and an operator of a leading direct-to-home satellite pay television system in Mexico. Televisa distributes the content it produces through several broadcast channels in Mexico and in over 75 countries through 26 pay-tv brands, television networks, cable operators and over-the-top or “OTT” services. In the United States, Televisa’s audiovisual content is distributed through Univision Communications Inc. (“Univision”) the leading media company serving the Hispanic market. Univision broadcasts Televisa’s audiovisual content through multiple platforms in exchange for a royalty payment. In addition, Televisa has equity and warrants which upon their exercise would represent approximately 36% on a fully-diluted, as-converted basis of the equity capital in Univision Holdings, Inc., the controlling company of Univision. Televisa’s cable business offers integrated services, including video, high-speed data and voice services to residential and commercial customers as well as managed services to domestic and international carriers. Televisa owns a majority interest in Sky, a leading direct-to-home satellite pay television system and broadband provider in Mexico, operating also in the Dominican Republic and Central America. Televisa also has interests in magazine publishing and distribution, radio production and broadcasting, professional sports and live entertainment, feature- film production and distribution, and gaming.

About OCESA Entretenimiento
One of the most prominent live events businesses globally, OCESA promotes more than 3,100 events for nearly 6 million fans annually across Mexico and Colombia and has a robust business portfolio in ticketing, sponsorship, food & beverage, merchandise, and venue operation with 14 premiere venues across Mexico with a collective capacity of nearly 250,000 seats. OCESA’s primary ticketing business, Ticketmaster Mexico, is a leading ticket company in Mexico, with more than 37 million tickets sold annually

Contacts

Live Nation Media Contact: Carrie Davis, 310-975-6941, [email protected] or Live Nation Investor Contact: Jackie Beato, 310-975-6858, [email protected]

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Corporate

Rock in Rio Celebrates 15th Anniversary in Portugal With Major Free-Entrance Event Featuring James, Ivete Sangalo and a Special Symphonic Concert Conducted by Maestro Rui Massena

The celebratory event takes place September 6-8 in the Tower of Belém, with free concerts by national and international artists, a unique video mapping show, and the biggest fireworks ever seen on Tejo River. 

Rock in Rio is celebrating its 15-year anniversary in Portugal with a majestic free admission event, which will be held in one of Lisbon’s ex-libris(the Tower of Belém) during September 6, 7 and 8, for an expected crowd of 150,000 people. 

The event presents itself as a true symbiosis of music, video mapping, pyrotechnics and entertainment, conducted by Maestro Rui Massena(on September 6), by the British acclaimed band James(on September 7) and by “Bahia’s hurricane” Ivete Sangalo(on September 8). Besides these exclusive shows that are being especially designed for the Celebration Event, during the three days audiences will also be able to see a unique video mapping and pyrotechnics performance, which will tell the story of Rock in Rio in Portugal. During the first day, Rock in Rio will also offer a special moment with the biggest fireworks ever seen on Tejo River. 

“Rock in Rio is part of the entertainment history in Portugal and Portuguese people are part of Rock in Rio’s. In September we will celebrate these 15 years the way we like and know the best: mobilizing the city to a huge party, where music and happiness will be king and queen,”states Roberta Medina, Executive VP of Rock in Rio.

This is the marquee event of Rock in Rio’s 2019 calendar lineup for Lisbon. Building Portugal’s entertainment offerings with live and digital content, Rock in Rio also brought the community Worten Game City,an event dedicated to the gaming industry, produced by Rock in Rio, last May, which reached more than 4 million people with thousands of contents published on social media. As well as Galp Music Valley Sessions, a four-show initiative which took place in Lisbon during April and May, which reached more than 3 million people, with videos that already have1.2 million views.    

About the artists
On September 6, 7 and 8, entertainment will start during the afternoon, with several street performances around the gardens of the Tower of Belém, with Tejo River as background. At the end of the day, on a stage especially created for this event, will take place great concerts of national and international artists. 

On September 6, an Orchestra composed by 60 musicians and conducted by Maestro Rui Massenawill perform a unique symphonic concert which will musically navigate through an history of 15 years, combined with the biggest fireworks that Tejo River have ever seen. This will also be a unique occasion to see one of the most renowned Maestros, whose masterpiece IIIhas earned an international stamp by the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon.

On Saturday, September 7, the Manchester band Jameswill take over the stage for an outstanding live show. After playing at Rock in Rio-Lisboa’s main stage in 2012 and, more recently, 2018, Tim Booth’s band, one of the most cherished bands by the Portuguese people, will be back at Lisbon for an exclusive show in which the fans will probably be able to listen and sing to “Sit Down”, “She’s a Star”, “Laid” or “Getting Away With It (All Messed Up)” – songs that marked a long career, stamped with an astonishing 20 singles on UK top 40, 14 albums edited and around 13 million sold copies around the world.

The last day of this celebration, September 8, will be conducted by “Bahia’s hurricane” Ivete Sangalo,the only artist present in all of Rock in Rio-Lisboa’s editions and a truly phenomenon around the globe. The Brazilian artist will offer Portuguese fans a unique show of light, color, dance and, above all, joy, bringing to Lisbon her contagious energy that will make fans “take their feet off of the floor” and sing from the beginning until the end. 

Rock in Rio-Lisboa will be back at Bela Vista Park (Lisbon) in 2020, for its 9th edition. Dates are already known – June 20, 21, 27 and 28.

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Festivals

BTS Announces Additional Stadium Stops To Their World Tour Under The Extended Title ‘Love Yourself: Speak Yourself’

Global Pop Sensation Confirms Dates For 8 Stadiums Across The World

Group Continues To Extend Their Unprecedented Worldwide Stadium Tour

Following a record-breaking 2018, BTS is further cementing their position as the biggest pop act on the planet as they announce their BTS WORLD TOUR‘LOVE YOURSELF: SPEAK YOURSELF’, with a line-up of eight stadiums spanning North America, South America, Europe and Asia.

The tour comes fresh on the heels of their first-ever stadium show in New York at Citi Field Stadium last October, which sold-out in minutes. BTS WORLD TOUR ‘LOVE YOURSELF: SPEAK YOURSELF’kicks off its monumental stadium run on May 4 at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Los Angeles/CA before traveling through Soldier Field in Chicago/IL, MetLife Stadium in E. Rutherford/NJ, Allianz Parque in Sao Paulo/Brazil, Wembley Stadium powered by EE in London/UK, and Stade de France in Paris/France. It is also scheduled to hit Yanmar Stadium Nagai in Osaka/Japan and Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa in Shizuoka/Japan the following July.

Ticket information, including seating chartsand prices, will be released soon. Find the ticket on-sale dates for North America, South America and Europe below:

  • North America (Los Angeles/CA, Chicago/IL, E. Rutherford/NJ) – Tickets go on sale to the general public starting March 1, 2019 at 10 am local time HERE.
  • Europe
    • London/UK – Tickets go on sale to the general public starting March 1, 2019 at 8:30 am local time HERE.
    • Paris/France – Tickets go on sale to the general public starting March 1, 2019 at 9 am local time HERE.
  • Sao Paulo/Brazil – Tickets go on sale to the general public starting March 11, 2019 at 10 am local time HERE.

The global boyband recently made history as the first Korean act to present at the GRAMMY Awards. In 2018, BTS scored two #1 albums on the Billboard200, embarked on a sold out world tour, landed the cover of TIME, and had the highest-grossing cinema event with Burn the Stage: the Movie.While millions across the world celebrate BTS as a culture, the band continues to break ground, connecting with the people through their music.   

BTS WORLD TOUR ‘LOVE YOURSELF: SPEAK YOURSELF’ DATES

DATECITYVENUETICKET OPEN
May 4, 2019Los Angeles, CARose Bowl StadiumMarch 1, 2019
May 11, 2019Chicago, ILSoldier FieldMarch 1, 2019
May 18, 2019E. Rutherford, NJMetLife StadiumMarch 1, 2019
May 25, 2019Sao Paulo, BrazilAllianz ParqueMarch 11, 2019
June 1, 2019London, UKWembley Stadium connected by EEMarch 1, 2019
June 7, 2019Paris, FranceStade de FranceMarch 1, 2019
July 6-7, 2019Osaka, JapanYanmar Stadium NagaiTBA
July 13-14, 2019Shizuoka, JapanShizuoka Stadium EcopaTBA

About BTS

BTS, an acronym of Bangtan Sonyeondan or “Beyond the Scene”, is a South Korean boyband that is capturing the hearts of millions of fans globally. The members of BTS are RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook. BTS has gained recognition from their authentic, self-produced music. From their top-notch performances to the way they interact with their fans, BTS has become a global phenomenon since they debuted in June 2013. They have mobilized millions of fans across the world (named ARMY), topped prominent music charts, sold out worldwide tours and have been recognized with prestigious awards like the Billboard Music Awards.

About Big Hit Entertainment

Founded in February 2005 in South Korea by CEO and Producer Bang Si-Hyuk, Big Hit Entertainment’s core business focuses on music production, artist management and publishing. Big Hit’s business ventures incorporate and develop a range of content produced from top-notch artists’ IP, including global boyband BTS. With its mission of ‘Music & Artist for Healing’, Big Hit strives to impart a positive influence through content while providing comfort and inspiration to music fans worldwide.

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.

Media Inquiries

Kristen Foster [email protected]

PMK*BNC

Emily Bender [email protected]

LIVE NATION U.S.

Monique Sowinski [email protected]

LIVE NATION U.S.

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Concerts

LIVE NATION ACQUIRES SPANISH PROMOTER PLANET EVENTS THROUGH STRATEGIC UNION WITH PRISA MEDIA GROUP

MADRID, SPAIN (Feb 6, 2019) – Live Nation Entertainment, the world’s leading live entertainment company, has acquired a majority stake in Planet Events, the leading concert promoter of Latin artists in Spain. Planet Events will remain partially owned by PRISA, the world’s number one Spanish-language media group whose publications include Los40and El País, establishing a strategic union that gives Live Nation Barcelona opportunity to reach new audiences in the region.

Live Nation Barcelona already operates across Spain and Portugal, and by joining forces with Planet Events and PRISA, will reinforce its regional presence while also creating a future platform from which to promote Spanish and Latin artists across Europe.Live Nation Barcelona has had a presence in Spain since 2006, and over the last thirteen years, the company has been a key player in meeting the growth in demand for live entertainment in the country. 

“We have worked with Live Nation Barcelona on some great shows and events in the past,” said Chen Castaño, General Manager at Planet Events. “We now welcome the chance to strengthen our relationship and connect more Spanish and Latin artists with their fans.”

Live Nation Barcelona and Planet Events have previously collaborated on tours for international artists including Luis Miguel and Juanes, as well as Paul McCartney’s Madrid concert in 2016. 

“The opportunity to combine Planet Event’s local expertise and PRISA’s vast audience network with Live Nation’s scale and resources is quite unique and aligns with our commitment to bring more Spanish and Latin music to fans around the world,” said says Pino Sagliocco, Chairman of Live Nation Barcelona.

Planet Events was founded in 1999 and is now directed by Chen Castaño. The company will remain based out of PRISA’s offices in Madrid and will continue to develop its varied roster of Latin tours, festivals, such as Noches del Botánicoand Fitur Is Music; and industry events, like Oro Viejoand Los40 Music Awards. 

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.

Live Nation Media Contact:

Jo Dipple

+44 (0)7796 937 160

[email protected]

Live Nation Investor Relations:
[email protected]

Live Nation Barcelona Media Contact:

Marta Espi

[email protected]

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Corporate

Live Nation Acquires Argentina’s Leading Concert Promoter DF Entertainment

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, Dec. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Live Nation Entertainment, the world’s leading live entertainment company, announced today that it has acquired a majority stake in DF Entertainment, one of Argentina’s top independent concert promoters. The companies plan to combine DF Entertainment’s broad reach and regional expertise with Live Nation’s extensive resources to continue growing live entertainment offerings throughout Argentina. The Buenos Aires-based company sold more than 500,000 tickets to events in 2018, and oversees a rapidly growing lineup of artists for both concerts and festivals.

Founded and owned by Diego Finkelstein, DF Entertainment helped pioneer the Argentinian live music industry. DF Entertainment will continue to oversee all operations throughout its varied portfolio, ranging from concert promotion, music festival production, ticketing services, and equity in local venues. 

Over the past several years, DF Entertainment and Live Nation co-promoted many shows, bringing big name international acts such as Coldplay, Bon Jovi, Foo Fighters, Ariana Grande and Phil Collins to the region. DF also serves as the trusted local partner, promoter, and ticketing provider for Lollapalooza Argentina, in partnership with C3 Presents, a Live Nation Entertainment owned company.

“The demand for concerts and live events across South America has never been higher, and the local insight of Diego and the DF Entertainment team will help us connect more artists and fans throughout Argentina than ever before,” said Michael Rapino, President and CEO, Live Nation Entertainment. “DF Entertainment has proven to be an amazing partner and the premier promoter in Argentina, and we’re glad to have them join the Live Nation family after many years working together.”

“Argentina’s live music industry continues to flourish, and together with Live Nation, so will DF Entertainment,” said Finkelstein. “I’m very proud of our team and can’t wait to see our event lineup grow even more with the support and resources of Live Nation behind us.”

Live Nation has continued to see a growing demand for concerts throughout Latin America, with more global tours traveling to, and selling out shows, in the region each year. The company has been actively focused on building its profile and scope in the region through local business development and tour booking teams. 

For a full list of DF Entertainment’s upcoming tours and concert dates visit: http://dfentertainment.com/events.

About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit http://www.livenationentertainment.com and http://www.livenation.lat.

Contacts

Name: Carrie Davis, Phone: (310) 975-6941, Email: [email protected]

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Corporate