Music
Ticketmaster, Live Nation confirm merger
Published Wednesday, Feb 11 2009, 11:32 GMT | By Mayer Nissim
Rex Features
The $2.5 billion (£1.73 billion) company will combine Live Nation's concert promotions business with ticketing services from Ticketmaster.
Live Nation boss Michael Rapino said: "This combination will drive measurable benefits to consumers
"Together, we will work to simplify the ticketing process and ultimately increase attendance at live events."
He added that, at present, too many tickets are unsold and fans are often frustrated by their ticket-buying experiences.
Earlier this month, Bruce Springsteen attacked the merger, claiming that it would make ticketing "even worse for the fan than it is now".
The musician argued that the deal would result in a monopoly of music ticketing and urged fans who oppose the idea to make their opinion known.
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