UK Re-Approves Merger

The UK Competition Commission has unconditionally reaffirmed its initial decision approving the merger of Live Nation and Ticketmaster.

It originally cleared the merger in December 2009 but was subsequently instructed by the U.K. Competition Appeal Tribunal to reconsider its decision following an appeal filed by German ticketing giant CTS Eventim.

Upon further investigation, the Commission once again concluded that the merger would not result in a substantial lessening of competition in the U.K. market.

“We applaud this decision by the U.K. Competition Commission and are pleased to have the matter resolved,” said Michael Rapino, president and CEO of Live Nation Entertainment.

“Our focus is on the future and continuing to execute on our goals of driving innovation across the live event experience and strengthening the artist-to-fan connection.”