Live Nation has acquired a majority interest in leading Israeli promoter, Bluestone Entertainment and launched Ticketmaster Israel.
Impressively, the deal marks the company’s fifth buyout announcement of 2017 so far – following acquisitions of/in Cuffe & Taylor (UK), Metropolis Music (UK), BottleRock Napa Valley (US) and CT Touring (US).
Don’t forget: Live Nation made at least seven live music acquisitions in 2016. Clearly, it’s on a roll.
Bluestone Entertainment, a joint venture between Guy Beser, Shay Mor Yosef, Guy Oseary and Gadi Veinrib, was created in 2014 with the objective of promoting international artists in Israel.
In their first two years of operation, they have become the leading promoter of international shows in Israel having presented sold out concerts from the likes of Bon Jovi, Backstreet Boys, Enrique Iglesias, Major Lazer and One Republic.
Later this year, the company will promote concerts by both Aerosmith (May 17) and Guns ‘n’ Roses (July 15) in Tel Aviv.
In addition, the parties have joined forces to form Ticketmaster Israel (www.tmisrael.co.il) and are already ticketing Bluestones’ major shows. With the addition of Israel, Ticketmaster is present in 28 countries across the world.
“We have seen a considerable demand for live entertainment with the shows that Live Nation has brought to the market over the last few years and have been very impressed when working with Guy, Shay and the rest of the Bluestone team,” said Alan Ridgeway, President of International & Emerging Markets. “Formalizing our partnership and bringing the Ticketmaster brand and technology to the market was the natural next step.”
“Guy Oseary’s strategic involvement, guidance and mentorship of our company and the door he has opened for us at Live Nation has brought us to this exciting partnership we are launching today.”
Guy Beser and Shay Mor Yose, Bluestone
“We see a huge potential for international artists in Israel, especially as the venue infrastructure improves over the coming years,” said Guy Beser and Shay Mor Yosef of Bluestone. “The strength of Live Nation and Ticketmaster will provide Bluestone with the tools and the platform to further develop the market for international shows in Israel”.
Beser and Mor Yosef added, “Guy Oseary’s strategic involvement, guidance and mentorship of our company and the door he has opened for us at Live Nation has brought us to this exciting partnership we are launching today. The Israeli fans have proved in the last three years that there is a real market and demand for live international shows. The collaboration between Live Nation and Bluestone will firmly establish Israel as a ‘must-play’ market on any world tour.”Music Business Worldwide
