IRVING & TIM BUY
A MAGAZINE

Irving Azoff and Tim Leiweke have acquired the concert industry trade publication Pollstar and its events business. The acquisition has been rumored for months.

The Azoff MSG Entertainment-backed Oak View Group already owns its competition, Venues Today, and made the announcement today at the publication’s conference, VenuesNow, in Los Angeles. Leiweke runs the Oak View Group, which is in the sports and live entertainment business.

Pollstar is known for data on concert ticket sales, routing information and its annual awards ceremony. Longtime Editor in Chief Gary Bongiovanni and CEO Gary Smith are remaining with the company.

“Pollstar has served our industry as a trusted and invaluable resource during an era where music and ticketing have evolved dramatically,” Azoff said in a statement. “Their insights and analysis are fundamental to the success of our business and we’re looking forward to growing the brand’s influence and impact for years to come.”

“Pollstar has represented the voice of record for the live music and ticketing industries for over three decades and bringing them into the OVG family is a true honor for all of us,” said Leiweke. “Working hand-in-hand with Pollstar’s leadership team, we’ll look to greatly optimize the reach of the its print, digital and conference assets. Now how do you get to Fresno?”