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DEAG reports loss in 2024 despite record revenues
April28
Berlin-based live entertainment company DEAG Deutsche Entertainment AG (DEAG) closed the 2024 finan
Berlin-based live entertainment company DEAG Deutsche Entertainment AG (DEAG) closed the 2024 financial year with mixed results, achieving record revenues but facing a temporary decline in earnings due to targeted investments in future growth.
According to its latest financial report, DEAG increased revenue by around 18% year-on-year to approximately €370 million, marking the highest figure in the company’s history. Fourth-quarter revenues rose by about 17% to €117 million, supported by strong Christmas-related business.
However, EBITDA fell to €14.4 million, compared to €26.4 million in 2023. The decline was mainly attributed to non-recurring effects, including investments in digitalization, organizational restructuring, weather-related challenges at open-air events, and portfolio adjustments in the European festival market. Despite these impacts, DEAG maintained an EBITDA margin of around 4% and expects a significant improvement in 2025.
CEO Detlef Kornett said: “We have consistently implemented our growth strategy and consciously decided to invest in our sustainable business development in 2024 in order to position ourselves for the future in the best possible setup. Successes are already visible. We have started the current year with momentum, and our ticket sales are at record levels. Our event pipeline is excellently filled, and we expect a significantly stronger year in 2025 with a substantial increase in profitability,”
Advance ticket sales for 2025 reached approximately four million by the reporting date, securing around €150 million in future revenue and exceeding previous records. DEAG expects total ticket sales to grow to 12 million in 2025, up from over 11 million sold in 2024.
The company continued its Buy & Build strategy throughout 2024, expanding its market presence through acquisitions. In the UK, DEAG strengthened its position in the Spoken Word & Literary Events segment by acquiring How To Academy and live entertainment promoter ShowPlanr. It also expanded in Germany by acquiring black mamba Event & Marketing GmbH, known for the "SPUTNIK SPRING BREAK" festival, and booking agency District Live GmbH. Additionally, DEAG entered the Italian live entertainment market with the acquisition of MC2 Live Srl.
In 2024, DEAG organized numerous major events, including concerts by AC/DC, Zucchero, and Tream, as well as over 30 festivals in genres such as EDM, Rock, and Pop. The company also hosted the "Barcelona Rock Fest" for the first time and successfully expanded its exhibition business with "Tim Burton’s Labyrinth," which attracted over 100,000 visitors. Literary events like "An Evening with..." and the 25th anniversary of the lit.COLOGNE festival also contributed to a strong year in the Spoken Word segment.
Looking ahead, DEAG anticipates a robust 2025, with major tours scheduled for artists including Sam Fender, Andrea Bocelli, Till Lindemann, Lana Del Rey, Iron Maiden, and the Scorpions. Festival highlights are expected to include milestone editions of NATURE ONE, MAYDAY, and Airbeat One.
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