Germany-born ticketing and live entertainment giant CTS Eventim has acquired 51% of the shares in the Russian tour and concert promoter Talent Concert International (TCI).
TCI now becomes part the London-headquartered pan-European promoter network Eventim Live, which was created in March.
The transaction will be completed in the next few days. CTS Eventim has owned the ticketing provider parter.ru in Russia since 2006.
President Ed Ratnikov (pictured) and Finance Director Nikolay Sinitsyn will continue to serve as TCI’s senior management.
Together, they also hold the remaining 49% of shares in the company.
TCI was founded in 1995 by Ratnikov and has since organized live performances in Russia by Blur, Nick Cave, Deep Purple, Kraftwerk, Limp Bizkit, Motörhead, Rihanna, the Scorpions and Robbie Williams, among others.
This year’s highlights include Jennifer Lopez, Rammstein and Whitesnake.
TCI doesn’t limit itself to events in the country’s two largest cities, Moscow and St. Petersburg, but is also regularly responsible for shows in Irkutsk, Kaliningrad, Kazan, Novosibirsk and Vladivostok.
Eventim Live now comprises 28 promoters, who together organise more than 30 festivals and some 5,000 live events each year, with ten million visitors in twelve countries.
In July, CTS Eventim acquired a 48% stake in France Billet, the ticketing subsidiary of France-based retailer Fnac Darty.
“The Russian market is very important to a growing number of internationally popular artists – and few companies bring as many acts from abroad to Russia as TCI.”
Klaus-Peter Schulenberg, CTS Eventim
Klaus-Peter Schulenberg, CEO of CTS Eventim, said: “TCI complements our portfolio perfectly. The Russian market is very important to a growing number of internationally popular artists – and few companies bring as many acts from abroad to Russia as TCI.
“I am sure that our new colleagues will greatly enrich the work of our Eventim Live network of promoters.”
“We look forward to expanding our new partner’s portfolio with exciting shows, and its geographic reach all the way to the Pacific.”
Ed Ratnikov, TCI
Ed Ratnikov, CEO of TCI, added: “CTS Eventim is the best possible partner for continuing TCI’s growth story long-term. Becoming part of a global player opens up additional opportunities for us and the entire Russian market.
“And last but not least, it is a great honour for us to join the Eventim Live network of promoters. We look forward to expanding our new partner’s portfolio with exciting shows, and its geographic reach all the way to the Pacific.”
“The acquisition of TCI strengthens our market position in Europe.”
Dr Frithjof Pils, CTS Eventim
Dr Frithjof Pils, Managing Director of CTS Eventim, added: “Firstly, the acquisition of TCI strengthens our market position in Europe. Secondly, it gives us access to the many exciting acts that have long relied on the services of Ed Ratnikov and his team in Russia.
“And thirdly, our other promoters now have a hassles-free way to offer their artists the option of performing in Russia.”Music Business Worldwide
