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Belgian Regulator Probes Live Nation’s Planned Pukkelpop Takeover
November16
The Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) has opened a formal investigation into Live Nation’s planned acquisition of the Pukkelpop festival.
The review follows a request from Economy Minister David Clarinval.
The regulator will assess how the deal could affect competition in the music festival market and the wider live entertainment sector. Areas under scrutiny include potential market dominance, vertical integration, and Live Nation’s activities across promotion, venue operations, and ticketing.
Live Nation announced the acquisition in early October. Pukkelpop, held annually in Kiewit, is among Belgium’s largest festivals with a capacity of around 250,000.
The company already holds a significant presence in the Belgian live events landscape, operating festivals such as Rock Werchter, Werchter Boutique, Graspop, and Dour, as well as major venues including AFAS Dome, Trixxo Arena, Forest National, Lotto Arena, and Capitole Gent. Ticketing services are provided through Ticketmaster.
The BCA’s review extends beyond the festival sector to related activities within live entertainment. The authority will examine whether the combination of promotion, venue management, and ticketing could reduce competition and whether any remedies or conditions may be necessary.
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