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Live Nation acquires US indie Frank Productions

Live Nation is to acquire a majority interest in Frank Productions, one of the largest remaining independent promoters in the United States.

The acquisition fuses the “independent spirit” of Madison, Wisconsin-based Frank Productions – a third-generation family owned business founded by Herb Frank in 1965 – with the “breadth of Live Nation’s resources”, according to a statement from the two companies, with all Frank employees expected to remain in place under the new joint venture.

The deal is Live Nation’s first acquisition of 2018, after a record-breaking 11 in 2017. Last year also saw a host of deals for Frank Productions, including the acquisition of High Noon Saloon (400-cap.) in Madison; a merger with Majestic Live, which operates the Majestic Theatre in Madison and the Blue Note and Rose Music Hall in Columbia, Missouri); and the launch of the Sylvee, a new, 2,500-capacity concert hall in Madison expected to open later this year.

The company will also now operate the Live Nation-run Orpheum Theater (1,700-cap.) in Madison, effective immediately.

“This partnership made sense for Live Nation on every level, and we’re excited to welcome Larry, Fred and all of Frank Productions to the team”

“Frank Productions has been around for over 50 years because we have continuously found new, innovative ways to help artists grow their careers the way they choose,” say Frank Productions’ co-owners, Larry and Fred Frank (pictured), in a joint statement, “which is a vision we share with Live Nation and should make for a very seamless partnership.

“Our relentless entrepreneurial spirit has helped grow Frank Productions from an independent family operation into a full-service concert promotion company based in the heart of Madison, Wisconsin, with over 70 employees and key affiliates like Frank Productions Concerts here in Madison, NS2 in Nashville, CMoore Live in Boise and now Live Nation across the globe.”

“This partnership made sense for Live Nation on every level, [and] we’re excited to welcome Larry, Fred and all of Frank Productions to the team,” adds Bob Roux, co-president of US concerts at Live Nation. “They bring valuable industry expertise, solid market representation and, most importantly, an artist-centric approach that will benefit both performers and music fans.”

 


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