LIVE NATION ENTERS SOUTH AFRICA

Live Nation Entertainment has acquired a controlling interest in the leading concert promoter in South Africa, Big Concerts Intl.

Chairman Attie van Wyk and CEO Justin van Wyk will continue to lead the company.

The acquisition give Live Nation a presence in 38 countries. “Our mission at Live Nation is to connect fans with the artists they love in every corner of the globe,” Live Nation Entertainment president and CEO Michael Rapino said.

Since South Africa hosted the FIFA World Cup in 2010, the country has seen an uptick in the number of artists touring the country,said Alan Ridgeway, Live Nation President of International & Emerging Markets. Upcoming tours for 2016 include Lionel Richie, Josh Groban, Mariah Carey, Iron Maiden and Rodriguez.

“Over the past 5 years the growth in the South African live entertainment industry has been exceptional, driven by investment in local infrastructure and strong consumer demand, all of which will continue to enable us to bring global superstars to the African continent in the future,” Attie van Wyk said.

Ridgeway said the van Wyks will “further develop the South African market, as well as the broader African market as demand for live entertainment grows across the continent.”