Belgian Competition Authority Launches Inquiry into Live Nation’s Acquisition of Pukkelpop Festival
The Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) has initiated an investigation into Live Nation’s acquisition of the Pukkelpop music festival, following a directive from the Minister for Economic Affairs. The inquiry seeks to determine whether the takeover could harm competition within Belgium’s live entertainment and music festival sectors, according to a statement from the authority.
Live Nation, a global leader in live entertainment, operates across multiple areas of the industry in Belgium. The company’s presence extends from artist management and event organization to venue operation and ticketing services. Per a statement from the BCA, Live Nation currently manages some of Belgium’s most prominent festivals, including Rock Werchter, Dour, and Graspop, and oversees major concert venues such as the AFAS Dome, Trixxo Arena, Forest National, Lotto Arena, and Capitole Gent. The company also controls the ticketing platform Ticketmaster.
Pukkelpop, held annually in Kiewit near Hasselt, is one of Belgium’s five largest music festivals, drawing around 250,000 attendees each August. The festival has long been regarded as a key event in the country’s summer music calendar.
According to a statement, the BCA’s investigation will examine the potential impact of Live Nation’s acquisition on competition in the organization of large-scale music events, as well as its broader influence in the live entertainment market. The review will be carried out independently by the BCA’s Prosecution and Investigation Service.
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The authority noted that the inquiry will be conducted under Belgian and European competition laws, specifically Articles IV.1 and IV.2 of the Code of Economic Law and Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. These provisions prohibit anti-competitive agreements and abuse of dominant market positions. The case also draws on the Towercast precedent established by the Court of Justice of the European Union.
The BCA emphasized that the opening of this investigation does not predetermine any conclusions. Live Nation, as the subject of the inquiry, will be given the opportunity to fully participate in the proceedings, per a statement from the authority.
Source: Belgian Competition
