Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 4, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 4, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleLive Nation is acquiring ForumNet for $106 million, enhancing its presence in Italy's live entertainment market. The deal includes Milan's Unipol Forum, a key venue for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Feb 4 (Reuters) - Live Nation Entertainment said late on Tuesday it had agreed to buy Italy-based venue operator ForumNet from holding firm Bastogi, strengthening its presence in Italy's live entertainment market.
Bastogi said the deal valued ForumNet at an enterprise value of 90 million euros ($106 million), with the final price to be adjusted at closing. The theoretical equity value would be about 103 million euros, following a positive net adjustment of around 13 million euros, it added.
The transaction is expected to be completed in April, subject to customary closing conditions, Live Nation said.
The deal centres on Milan's Unipol Forum, a major indoor arena hosting concerts, sports events and congresses. The venue will also stage figure and short track speed skating during the 2026 Winter Olympics.
"These venues have been at the heart of Milan's cultural life for decades. Partnering with Live Nation ensures they will continue to thrive, welcoming fans and artists from both Italy and around the world for years to come," Bastogi Group President Marco Cabassi said.
($1 = 0.8466 euros)
(Reporting by Laura Contemori; Editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak)
An acquisition is a corporate action in which one company purchases most or all of another company's shares to gain control of that company.
Enterprise value is a measure of a company's total value, often used as a comprehensive alternative to market capitalization. It includes the company's equity, debt, and cash.
A venue operator is a company or individual responsible for managing and operating a venue, such as an arena or theater, where events are held.
Live entertainment refers to performances or events that are presented in real-time to an audience, such as concerts, theater productions, and sports events.
A strategic acquisition is a purchase made by a company to enhance its competitive position, expand its market presence, or achieve synergies with existing operations.
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