Features
CTS Eventim Makes TCI Acquisition In Russia Official
Sergei Bobylev\TASS via Getty Images – Jennifer Lopez in Moscow, Aug. 4
The performance at VTB Arena – Dynamo Central Stadium, which was part of the superstar
CTS Eventim has acquired promoter Talent Concert International (TCI), the German entertainment giant’s first promotion venture in Russia, completing a deal that was initially reported back in March.
CTS Eventim has had a Russian presence since 2006, when it acquired ticketing company parter.ru. By acquiring 51 percent of the shares in TCI, the company added a promotion business in the country to its portfolio.
TCI becomes part of the promoter network Eventim Live. The transaction will be completed in the next few days.
Klaus-Peter Schulenberg, CEO of CTS Eventim, commented: “TCI complements our portfolio perfectly. The Russian market is very important to a growing number of internationally popular artists – and few companies bring as many acts from abroad to Russia as TCI. I am sure that our new colleagues will greatly enrich the work of our Eventim Live network of promoters.”
null – Ed Ratnikov
Founder and CEO of TCI
Ed Ratnikov founded TCI in 1995, and has since organized live performances by Blur, Nick Cave, Deep Purple, Kraftwerk, Limp Bizkit, Motörhead, Rihanna, the Scorpions and Robbie Williams, among others, in its home market.
This year’s highlights include Jennifer Lopez, Rammstein and Whitesnake. TCI doesn’t limit itself to events in the country’s two largest cities, Moscow and St. Petersburg, but is also regularly responsible for shows in Irkutsk, Kaliningrad, Kazan, Novosibirsk and Vladivostok.
Ratnikov and Nikolay Sinitsyn will continue to serve as TCI’s president and finance director, respectively, as part of the promoter’s senior management. Together, they also hold the remaining 49 percent of shares in the company.
Said Ratnikov: “CTS EVENTIM is the best possible partner for continuing TCI’s growth story long-term. Becoming part of a global player opens up additional opportunities for us and the entire Russian market. And last but not least, it is a great honour for us to join the EVENTIM LIVE network of promoters. We look forward to expanding our new partner’s portfolio with exciting shows, and its geographic reach all the way to the Pacific.”
Dr Frithjof Pils, managing director of EVENTIM LIVE, added: “Firstly, the acquisition of TCI strengthens our market position in Europe. Secondly, it gives us access to the many exciting acts that have long relied on the services of Ed Ratnikov and his team in Russia. And thirdly, our other promoters now have a hassles-free way to offer their artists the option of performing in Russia.”