The Justice Department says Live Nation also threatened to retaliate against one firm if it did not stop a subsidiary from competing for artist promotion contracts. Michael Carrier, a professor at Rutgers Law School who specialises in antitrust litigation, said the Justice Department has a strong case. “And, in terms of justifications, there is really very little that (Live Nation) can offer in terms of how they’re helping the consumer.”A breakup between Live Nation and Ticketmaster is possible, Mr Carrier said. The company owns or controls more than 265 of North America’s concert venues and dozens of top amphitheatres, according to the Justice Department. The Justice Department allowed Live Nation and Ticketmaster to merge as long as Live Nation agreed not to retaliate against concert venues for using other ticket companies for 10 years.

Source: Daily Nation May 23, 2024 21:20 UTC