LN to go private, eventually

PRIVATEERS: Irving Azoff and Liberty Media boss John Malone—Live Nation's biggest shareholder with a 20% stake in the company—are considering taking the concert powerhouse private, the N.Y. Post reported this morning. Such a transaction would give LN some breathing room to restructure as it tries to ride a rebound in the concert business. A source close to the company said the talks involving Azoff and Malone are at an early stage, noting, "Yes, they've had discussions, but it's more of a strategy that is being contemplated. Nothing is imminent." Funding could come from Thomas H. Lee Partners, given its close relationship with Azoff, although another firm would likely have to come on board to finance the deal. LN’s market cap is about $2 billion. (6/10a)