Ticketmaster has extended its presence in Europe through the acquisition of ticket agent Ticketpro.
The addition of Ticketpro’s home market of the Czech Republic means that Ticketmaster now has a presence in 30 countries.
Ticketpro was launched in the Czech Republic in 1992 and has since developed its software and business across Central Europe and licensed its TicketSoft software in other international markets including Hungary, Chile and Belarus. It processes and retails more than one million tickets per year.
Ticketmaster said the acquisition offers it the opportunity to extend its international ticketing business activities into another key Central European market within the Czech Republic, as well as complement the development of its existing business in neighbouring Poland.
“The live entertainment industry continues to flourish. There are more events taking place and artists on the road than ever before, coupled with increasing demand from fans across the world,” said Mark Yovich, president of Ticketmaster International. “Acquiring Ticketpro enables us to better service our clients in Central Europe, while providing a world class service to the many fans in these countries.”
Live Nation already has an office in the Czech capital of Prague, but this is the first time Ticketmaster has had a presence in the country.
The move comes just a week after the acquisition of Bluestone Entertainment led to the launch of Ticketmaster Israel.
Serge Grimaux, chief executive of Ticketpro, said: “Having started our business in the Czech Republic, Ticketpro has established a proven track record in Central Europe and many emerging markets around the world.
“Combining this with Ticketmaster’s global scale and reach will ensure that Ticketpro continues to provide an even better experience to its current fans, while attracting considerably more. This is an exciting time for the business and the live entertainment industry in this part of the world. For me, it is the end of a ticketing journey which has lasted over 25 years.”
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