Eventbrite acquires Ticketscript

Eventbrite has bolstered its presence in live music with the acquisition of Amsterdam-based Ticketscript, Europe’s largest self-service ticketing service, for an undisclosed sum.

The two companies in 2016 processed more than 35 million tickets, worth over €500 million, for close to a million events, and Eventbrite says the acquisition sees the San Francisco-headquartered company become Europe’s third-largest ticketing platform (after Ticketmaster and CTS Eventim).

Ticketscript, founded in 2006, also has offices in Britain, Spain, Germany and Belgium. Eventbrite, meanwhile, is active in eight countries worldwide, including Germany, the Netherlands the Republic of Ireland.

A spokesperson for Eventbrite tells IQ the combined company will trade as either Eventbrite or Ticketscript depending on the country. “The long-term goal is to operate one platform, the brand of which could be Eventbrite or Ticketscript, depending on what makes the most sense for our customers in the respective market,” she explains. “This will be done in a thoughtful way, with appropriate notice, when the time is right.

“In the upcoming months, both Eventbrite and Ticketscript will be working to ensure a smooth transition to create a combined platform.”

“This acquisition perfectly aligns with our strategic vision to become the world’s leading marketplace for live experiences”

Ticketscript CEO Frans Jonker – who becomes Eventbrite’s general manager for continental Europe – comments: “We have been building significant market presence in Europe for ten years, with a focus on self-service ticketing for music events. We share Eventbrite’s passion for allowing event organisers to control their event marketing and ticketing while retaining their end customer data.

“Joining forces with Eventbrite, the global innovation leader in event technology, will no doubt help further accelerate the digital transformation of the European live experience industry.”

Eventbrite CEO Julia Hartz adds: “This acquisition supercharges Eventbrite’s footprint in Europe and brings ten additional years of traction in the music space and experience in European markets to our business.

“It perfectly aligns with our strategic vision to become the world’s leading marketplace for live experiences, and adds significant assets and technical power to our platform. We are looking forward to this new partnership combining the best solutions from both companies, and bringing them to our customers around the world.”

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