Germany: Regulator blocks ticketing takeover

Germany’s competition enforcer has blocked online ticket seller CTS Eventim’s proposed acquisition of concert agency Four Artists, following concerns the deal could prevent rival ticketing systems from selling the agency’s tickets.

Both companies had announced the deal in March. As reported, the acquisition was still subject to clearance by the authorities.

The approval was not granted. Andreas Mundt, president of Germany’s cartel office reasoned that CTS Eventim, being the country’s biggest ticketing system by a long shot, was already dominating the market. The company has integrated many promoters into its corporate structure in the past, and the acquisition of Four Artists would not only give CTS control over “additional, relevant ticket contingents,” but also “further expand its market position.”

Around 60% to 70% of all tickets sold in Germany are distributed via CTS Eventim’s systems.

“The other vendors are significantly smaller, mostly only present regionally and partly dependent on cooperating with CTS,” the cartel office argues.

Full Content: Stuttgarter

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