Mega Ticket Merger In Switzerland

Ticketcorner, which is also half-owned by media company Ringier alongside Eventim, already controlled about 60 percent of the Swiss ticketing market before the merger. By incorporating Starticket, the country’s second biggest player, that control is increased to about 80 percent to 90 percent of the market.

“The merger is still subject to the approval of the Swiss Competition Commission and shall be completed after approval in the first half of 2017,” the announcement reads.

In the new Ticketcorner AG, Ticketcorner Holding will hold 75 percent of the shares, and Tamedia will hold 25 percent. No further details about the transaction were disclosed. Klaus-Peter Schulenberg, CEO of CTS Eventim, said “many synergies will arise for the benefit of promoters and ticket purchasers. Together with our new partners at Tamedia and our long-time co-shareholder Ringier, we can provide an interesting combination of assets to the joint venture.”

Marc Walder, CEO of Ringier, added: “The merger of Ticketcorner and Starticket reflects that ticketing – just like other industries – is faced with major challenges. Digitalization, new technologies and distribution systems are changing this market radically.”