Image source, Getty Images
- author, Peter Hoskins
- role, Business reporter
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The US Department of Justice (DOJ) plans to file a competition lawsuit against entertainment giant Live Nation as early as Thursday, sources familiar with the matter confirmed to the BBC's US partner CBS News.
Prosecutors are expected to challenge the business practices of Ticketmaster's parent company, the people said.
When the Justice Department litigates over competition issues, it often seeks to force companies to split off parts of their operations or change the way they operate.
The Department of Justice declined to comment when contacted by the BBC, which also referred requests for comment to Live Nation.
The Washington Post, which first reported the case, said a number of state attorneys general will also be joining the federal government's legal battle.
The lawsuit is expected to allege that the business, which produces concerts, sells tickets and owns the venues, crowds out competitors and reduces customer choice, leading to higher prices.
The move came after a years-long investigation by the Justice Department's antitrust division. In 2022, CBS News reported that the Department of Justice was investigating the company and its Ticketmaster division.
Live Nation Entertainment was formed in 2010 through the merger of U.S.-based event promoter Live Nation and ticket sales and distribution company Ticketmaster.
At the time, the Justice Department approved the deal despite concerns that it would create a giant corporation that could dominate the live entertainment industry.
Live Nation Entertainment has faced growing criticism from fans, lawmakers, artists and competitors.
The company is accused of exerting significant influence over live entertainment events in the United States and around the world.
Live Nation shares fell more than 6 percent in after-hours trading in New York after news of the Justice Department lawsuit broke.
