Competition watchdog probes Ticketcorner merger

The Swiss Competition Commission (Wettbewerbskommission, Weko) is to investigate the merger of the country’s leading ticket agencies, Ticketcorner and Starticket, over concerns the combined company would have a monopoly on ticketing in Switzerland.

Ticketcorner and Starticket, which between them control around 85% of the live entertainment ticket market, announced their intention to merge in November, with 75% of the shares in the new operation held by Ticketcorner’s parent companies, CTS Eventim and Ringier, and 25% by Starticket parent Tamedia.

“Weko will consider what consequences the proposed merger will have on competition”

“Following a preliminary examination,” says a statement from the commission, “Weko has found evidence of the creation or strengthening of a dominant market position, in particular in the distribution of tickets to third parties and software solutions offered to event promoters. For this reason, Weko will consider what consequences the proposed merger will have on competition.”

The commission adds its investigation will be concluded by 13 June.

Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.