Nederlander, Jam Theatricals Form Nederlander National Markets

Nederlander and Jam Theatricals are joining forces to create Nederlander National Markets LLC. The New York-based company will operate theaters while producing and presenting theatrical and concert events throughout the U.S.

Jam Theatricals Ltd., which grew out of Jerry Mickelson’s Chicago-based independent powerhouse, will be absorbed into Nederlander National Markets. Jam Theatricals CEO and President Steve Traxler will be director of strategy and integration for the new company.

“Nederlander has always been a pioneer in the industry of live entertainment.  They are the gold standard when it comes to patron experience and audience development,” Traxler said in a statement.   “I am so pleased to maintain a key leadership role and continue working with my entire staff.  We will continue to move forward and strengthen the work we do under the direct leadership of James L. Nederlander and Executive Vice President Nick Scandalios.  I would also like to thank Lisbeth Barron and her team at Barron International Group, LLC for bringing our two firms together and for acting as our exclusive advisor on the transaction.

The deal also brings The National Theatre Group – which operates the National Theatre in Washington, D.C. – into the family of companies owned by James L. Nederlander, which also includes Nederlander Concerts. 

Nederlander himself will serve as president of Nederlander National Markets.

“Nederlander is a family company established over 100 years ago.  Over the past 25-years, Steve Traxler has built a company of quality with similar core values that makes this combination a perfect fit,” Nederlander said in a statement. “I am so pleased to welcome Steve and the entire team of Jam Theatricals into our family.”

Arny Granat, who co-founded Jam Productions with Mickelson in 1972, helped build Jam Theatricals under the leadership of Traxler, and left the company in January.