Seatwave To Spur TM Resale

Ticketmaster has acquired Seatwave’s operating assets, which vastly increases Ticketmaster’s resale business throughout Europe, mainly in Germany, Spain and Italy.

There are no details of what the American ticketing company paid for the secondary market platform, but it will combine Ticketmaster’s technology expertise with Seatwave’s business in the additional markets.

The two companies haven’t always got on so well. In 2012 (then) Seatwave chief exec Joe Cohen was critical of Ticketmaster’s paperless tickets on the grounds that they weren’t transferable and couldn’t be resold.

Seatwave is expected to continue functioning as a separate company, although operating under the Ticketmaster umbrella.

“On a global basis we strive to deliver fans all of their ticket options in a safe and convenient marketplace,” said Live Nation chief exec Michael Rapino. “The acquisition of Seatwave is accelerating this strategy across Europe and we will continue investing in our platforms to provide fans the best ticket buying experience.”

Ticketmaster International president Mark Yovich said the deal would give fans “with a better ticketing experience across Europe, with more ticket options to live events.” Seatwave chief exec Ajay Chowdhury described the deal as being “great for Seatwave’s customers.”

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