Music Business Worldwide is hearing rumours that the owner of UK live music promoter MAMA & Company, Lloyd’s Development Capital, is mulling over at least two bids for the company.
Private equity company LDC bought MAMA & Company – formerly MAMA Group – in December 2012 from a then-beleaguered HMV in a deal worth £7.3m.
The MAMA Group in its current form is believed to be profitable, which has drawn attention from potential acquisitive parties.
When LDC snapped up MAMA Group – with a 50% stake in Mean Fiddler Group as part of the deal – it pledged to “increase the global influence of the group and its brands and enhance the prospect for faster growth from global sponsorship and promotions”.
Founded in 2005, MAMA owns venues including the Forum in London’s Kentish Town, the Islington Garage, Camden’s Jazz Cafe and Barfly and The Ritz in Manchester.
Its festival properties include the UK’s Great Escape in Brighton and Lovebox in London.
Former MAMA CEO Dean James stepped down in 2013, and recently returned with his new investment-backed company, Sixth PLC.Music Business Worldwide
