Live Nation Entertainment has agreed to acquire ForumNet Group, an Italian venue operator, marking the company’s third significant purchase in less than a month as it expands its international footprint.<\/p>\n
The deal, reportedly valued at over $100 million<\/a>, was announced Tuesday (February 3) and adds the Unipol<\/b> Forum<\/b> indoor arena in Milan to Live Nation<\/b>\u2019s portfolio. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.<\/p>\n The transaction follows Live Nation’s January agreement to acquire<\/a> Paris La D\u00e9fense Arena<\/b> in France from Ovalto<\/b> and its purchase<\/a> of a majority stake in Peruvian promoter Bizarro Peru<\/b> in late January.<\/p>\n ForumNet Group<\/b> owns and operates Unipol Forum, a 15,800<\/b>-capacity arena that has drawn about 2 million <\/b>visitors annually since opening in 1990. The venue has hosted global superstars and Italian icons, including Vasco, Cremonini, Tiziano Ferro <\/b>and Marco Mengoni.<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n Unipol Forum has also hosted the Armani Olimpia Milano<\/b> basketball team and will stage figure and short track speed skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics<\/b>.<\/p>\n The acquisition also encompasses Teatro<\/b> Repower<\/b>, with a capacity of up to 1,700<\/b>, and management of Carroponte<\/b>, an open-air venue with a capacity up to 12,000<\/b>.<\/p>\n Live Nation plans to invest in upgrades at Unipol Forum to improve fan amenities and artist and production facilities. The company said it will introduce sustainability measures aimed at reducing carbon emissions. The improvements are intended to build on the venue’s profile following the Olympics.<\/p>\n Roberto de Luca<\/b>, President, Live Nation Italy, said: \u201cWe\u2019re proud to welcome these historic Milan venues to Live Nation and invest in their future.<\/p>\n “The Forum has hosted some of the greatest Italian and international artists and we look forward to creating even more opportunities for artists and fans.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re proud to welcome these historic Milan venues to Live Nation and invest in their future.”<\/p>\n Roberto de Luca<\/b>, Live Nation Italy<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n \u201cThe ForumNet venues will continue under an independent management team, maintaining longstanding relationships with all partners and promoters.\u201d<\/p>\n Marco Cabassi<\/b>, President, Bastogi Group, added: \u201cThese venues have been at the heart of Milan\u2019s cultural life for decades. Partnering with Live Nation ensures they will continue to thrive, welcoming fans and artists from both Italy and around the world for years to come.\u201d<\/p>\n Italy’s live entertainment sector generated \u20ac4.5 billion <\/b>($5.3 billion) in revenue in 2024, according to Live Nation.<\/p>\n The transaction is subject to standard closing conditions and is expected to be completed in April 2026.<\/p>\n Live Nation’s acquisition spree comes as the company strengthens its position in Europe and Latin America.<\/p>\n\n