Ticketmaster

Ticketmaster is a company that distributes and sells tickets for a range of different events, including musical concerts, sporting events and theater. Ticketmaster usually works as a ticket-selling agent for the venue or arena that is going to be holding the show. By signing up for a free account on Ticketmaster.com, customers can store their information to checkout quicker, print out tickets at home, post reviews of events you've seen, and receive recommendations of upcoming events by e-mail.

On February 10, 2009, concert promoter Live Nation announced plans to acquire Ticketmaster for $400 million in stock. Criticism of the proposed acquisition has come from rocker Bruce Springsteen and Senate judiciary chairman Charles Schumer.Reuters: Live Nation to buy Ticketmaster (February 10, 2009)

On January 25, 2010, the United States Department of Justice approved the planned merger of Ticketmaster and Live Nation. Under the merger terms, Ticketmaster's shareholders would receive 1.384 shares of common stock from Live Nation for each share of Ticketmaster. Live Nation would own 49.99% of the newly combined company and Ticketmaster would own the remaining 50.01%.http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE60O4E520100126

Under one of the terms of approving the merger, Ticketmaster is required to sell its its ticketing divisions and license its software called Paciolan to Comcast's sports and entertainment firm, or another company which the DoJ says another buyer suitable to the department.

Ticketmaster also has to license its software to the Anschutz Entertainment Group, which is Ticketmaster's largest customer. When AEG has a copy of the software Ticketmaster uses, they will be able to compete and marke an attractive ticketing system to various venues. An additional condition is the combined Ticketmaster and Live Nation will be subject to tough provisions to keep the merged company from abusing its power and monopolizing the market.http://www.businessinsider.com/ticketmaster-and-livenation-get-approval-as-one-giant-music-ticket-monster-2010-1http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/26/business/26ticket.html?dbk

In February 2008, Ticketmaster acquired the company TicketsNow, which now works as a subsidiary of Ticketmaster on its own. This allows fans of various sporting events and other venues have a lot more choices for when they go to purchase tickets, as well as have someplace to resale tickets.