"Your business is mine, and mine is mine" : how the Live Nation-Ticketmaster merger has affected the live entertainment market

Abstract

This thesis investigates the impact of the 2010 merger between Live Nation and Ticketmaster, a major vertical integration in the live entertainment sector. By merging, the two companies significantly changed the landscape of concert promotions, ticketing, and venue operations. By combining different qualitative and quantitative research methods, this study aims to address in what ways the merger between Live Nation and Ticketmaster has altered the competitive landscape and affected stakeholder groups of the live entertainment industry. The research relies on various secondary data sources including government documents, financial statements, academic literature, and media reports to analyze the merger's impact. The findings reveal that while the merger has led to operational efficiencies and a broader market presence for Live Nation Entertainment, it has also contributed to increased ticket prices and significant dissatisfaction amongst consumers and artists. These outcomes have resulted in regulatory scrutiny and public debates over the company's market dominance. The implications of this research suggest a need for stricter regulatory measures to prevent monopolistic behavior and to protect the interests of consumers and artists in the live entertainment industry.