Connecticut Attorney General's Office

Press Release

Attorney General Says Possible Ticketmaster-Live Nation Merger Raises Serious Anticompetitive Concerns

February 9, 2009

"This possible $6-billion music mega merger -- combining two already-powerful companies -- creates a singular and dangerously dominant force in the industry that threatens to illegally cut competition and consumer interests.

"Ticketmaster and Live Nation may be on the verge of seeking to fuse forces and establish one powerful company that will virtually rule the music industry -- including ticketing, artist management and control over major concert venues.

"I am deeply concerned that a Ticketmaster-Live Nation merger will overshadow competing companies and overlook consumers, driving up the costs of all entertainment at every level.

"My office -- already investigating whether Tickemaster inappropriately funneled consumers to its subsidiary, TicketsNow -- commits to work with other states in a review if this possible merger, and collaborate with federal authorities.

"This merger is an important test case for the new federal administration's competition enforcement team. I am confident that they will take seriously the risks of this potential merger. My office stands ready to work as an ally with the federal government to ensure that consumers and the competitive market are protected."