Sam Fender has become the first international artist to headline Italy’s newest arena.

The British hitmaker graced the 5,000-cap ChorusLife Arena in Bergamo on 13 March – his only Italian tour date this year. Tickets for the show sold out two months in advance.

The venue, which has upcoming concerts with artists including Patti Smith and Italian singer-songwriter Loredana Bertè, is supported by Legends and ASM Global and is said to offer “best-in-class facilities, cutting-edge acoustics and a selection of premium hospitality areas”.

“ChorusLife Arena is a game changer for Italy’s live entertainment scene”

“ChorusLife Arena is a game changer for Italy’s live entertainment scene,” says Joe Rizzello, VP and general manager of ASM Global Italy. “We’re thrilled to welcome fans to this world-class venue, starting with what was a simply unforgettable night featuring the incredible Sam Fender. 2025 is already looking like a huge year for the ChorusLife Arena, with close to 100 events already booked – a true record for Italian arenas of this size.”

The arena is part of the ChorusLife district project, an urban redevelopment initiative aimed at blending entertainment, technology and community spaces.

CAA-represented Fender recently extended his 2025 UK summer tour with the addition of three new dates. The first of the new shows will be held in Manchester’s Wythenshawe Park on 16 August, before he takes to the Royal Highland Showgrounds in Edinburgh the following week 22 August as part of the Scottish capital’s Summer Sessions series. On 28 August, Fender will headline the VITAL Festival at Boucher Road Playing Fields, Belfast.

The shows will follow the 30-year old’s previously announced European and US tours through the spring, plus three sold-out stadium gigs at Newcastle’s St. James Park (12-15 June) and London Stadium (6 June). He will also appear at Radio 1’s Big Weekend festival in Sefton Park, Liverpool, on 24 May.

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Brett Parker has been appointed chief financial officer and chief operating officer of the combined Legends and ASM Global business.

A seasoned executive with extensive experience in strategic finance and business operations, Parker joins Legends after more than two decades as an executive leader at Lucky Strike Entertainment, where he transformed the business from a single entertainment centre location into a public company with hundreds of locations across North America.

Dan Levy, CEO of Legends, said, “His track record in scaling businesses and driving strategic growth will be invaluable as we bring together Legends and ASM Global and expand our global impact.”

Parker arrives at Legends during a period of significant growth and opportunity following the August 2024 acquisition of ASM Global. As the companies integrate into a single entity, Parker will oversee all financial operations and planning while “playing a vital role in developing and driving company strategy to ensure long-term success,” according to a release.

Elsewhere, Marc Sousley joins Australia’s Frontier Touring as tour director. ​Previously a senior promoter at Live Nation-backed Secret Sounds, Sousley has delivered tours from artists such as The 1975, Tate McRae, Lizzy McAlpine, Father John Misty and more, as well as local artists, Ruel, Dope Lemon and Peach PRC. ​

Prior to working at Secret Sounds, he worked in Austin, Texas with US-based C3 Presents, producers of Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits. He moved to Australia with C3 in 2012, when the company acquired a share of music festival Big Day Out. ​

“[Parker’s] track record in scaling businesses and driving strategic growth will be invaluable as we bring together Legends and ASM Global”

Susan Heymann, COO of Frontier Touring, says: “We are excited to have Marc join our team. He comes into the company with over two decades of experience, strong industry relationships and an approach that aligns perfectly with Frontier’s ‘artists and fans first’ philosophy.”

Also in Australia, TEG has announced that its head of commercial Simon Cahill and SXSW Sydney’s general manager Jono Whyman have been appointed co-managing directors for SXSW Sydney.

Cahill will also retain existing commercial responsibilities and has been appointed to TEG’s chief commercial officer.

These changes follow Colin Daniels’ decision to step down from the SXSW Sydney managing director position, a role he has held since the event’s inaugural year in Australia.

Daniels, who is a founding partner of Handsome Tours, remains in the TEG family, holding a position on the SXSW Sydney Board.

TEG Group CEO and SXSW Chair Geoff Jones comments: “First and foremost, I would like to personally thank Colin for his dedication and hard work over the years. Colin has done an outstanding job in building a passionate Team, successfully launching SXSW Sydney, and ensuring the vision for this world-leading Event is set for the future. His leadership has been instrumental, and I am grateful for his contributions.”

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Venue executive Chris Bray has been appointed president of Europe for the combined Legends and ASM Global business.

Manchester-based Bray, who previously served as ASM’s president of Europe, will oversee the company’s business operations throughout the UK and Europe in his expanded role.

New York-headquartered premium experiences company Legends completed its blockbuster $2.325 billion acquisition of venue management giant ASM last August.

“The combination of Legends and ASM Global means we can take fan and guest experiences to the next level while creating even greater value for our partners worldwide,” says Legends CEO Dan Levy. “With a strong presence across the UK and Europe – spanning iconic venues, premier events, and world-class hospitality – we’re in an incredible position to set new standards in sports and entertainment.

“The growth opportunities in this region are exciting, and with Chris’ deep expertise and leadership, we’re confident in the road ahead.”

“This is an incredible opportunity as we accelerate our growth ambitions globally”

Bray, who joined ASM in January 2022, has more than 30 years of experience in commercial operations, entertainment, and strategic development within the high-street retail, leisure, and hospitality industries. He previously spent 15 years at Sodexo, where he held various executive board positions including a six-year stint as CEO of its sports and leisure division.

Under Bray’s leadership, the firm won new contracts with Utilita Arena and Sheffield City Hall, LX Factory in Portugal, and Olympia London. Bray has also overseen the company’s investment in its existing venue, including the £70 million redevelopment of AO Arena in Manchester, a multimillion-pound reimagining of Utilita Arena Newcastle, and a year-long transformation of Sweden’s Avicii Arena, among others.

“This is an incredible opportunity as we accelerate our growth ambitions globally,” adds Bray. “Over the past few years, we’ve witnessed significant expansion in Legends and ASM Global in Europe. This reflects the exceptional capabilities of our European teams and the trust our clients have in our ability to deliver world-class experiences for their guests and fans.

“I’m truly looking forward to collaborating with the teams to build on the outstanding work we’ve accomplished.”

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There have been changes at the top of venue management giant ASM Global following its acquisition by Legends.

The $2.325 billion deal to create “the world’s preeminent premium live events company” was completed last month, with ASM continuing to operate under its new name “for the time being”.

A spokesperson for ASM has confirmed to IQ that Ron Bension is no longer CEO of ASM Global, with Dan Levy now serving as CEO of the combined Legends and ASM Global business.

Bension, who was the long-time president of Live Nation’s House of Blues Entertainment prior to joining ASM in 2021, is understood to have left the Los Angeles-headquartered firm in the wake of the merger.

ASM was formed in 2019 following a merger between arena operators AEG Facilities and Onex’s SMG

VenuesNow reports that ASM CFO Mark Rozells has succeeded Bension on an interim basis, while the rest of ASM’s leadership team is unchanged.

Sixth Street-backed premium experiences specialist Legends’ existing clients include Real Madrid, SoFi Stadium, Dallas Cowboys, FC Barcelona, New York Yankees and Ryder Cup. Its expanded geographic reach will now support partners across Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and North and South America.

ASM was formed in 2019 following a merger between arena operators AEG Facilities and Onex’s SMG. It operates buildings including Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium, ICC Sydney Convention Center, Avicii Arena in Stockholm, OVO Arena Wembley, Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai and State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

ASM yesterday announced the appointment of Hugo Encarnação as general manager of its first Portuguese venues, Fabria XL and Fabrica L at LX Factory in Lisbon.

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AEG and Onex have commented on the completion of Legends’ $2.325 billion acquisition of ASM Global.

Los Angeles-headquartered ASM was formed in 2019 following a merger between AEG Facilities and Onex’s SMG. The equity holders agreed to sell their ownership interests in the venue management company as part of the agreement with Legends, which was announced in November last year, with ASM continuing to serve existing and in-development AEG venues.

“This transaction is the culmination of our vision to drive ASM’s growth and unlock substantial business value in the company,” says Dan Beckerman, president, and CEO of AEG. “This milestone will allow us to focus on the continued growth of AEG’s core businesses, including our owned and operated real estate and venues, and our live entertainment and ticketing business.”

The operator of buildings including Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium, ICC Sydney Convention Center, Avicii Arena in Stockholm, OVO Arena Wembley, Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, ASM Global will continue to operate under its name “for the time being” in the wake of the deal.

“We are confident Legends will deliver continued growth and differentiated services to its clients around the globe in the years ahead”

“We are pleased to complete our investment in ASM after having partnered with its management team and with AEG to expand the business, successfully navigate the pandemic and position it for future success,” add Kosty Gilis and Amir Motamedi, MDs at Onex Partners. “We are confident Legends will deliver continued growth and differentiated services to its clients around the globe in the years ahead.”

Confirming the closing of the ASM deal on Friday, Sixth-Street global premium experiences giant Legends says the acquisition has created “the world’s preeminent premium live events company”. The combined firm plans to provide a “data-driven, customisable solution across all areas of venue operations and revenue generation”.

“Over the course of 15 years, we have developed an unmatched solution to deliver a superior fan experience and help our partners grow,” said Legends CEO Dan Levy. “We are proud to add ASM Global to deliver even better experiences and value for our global partners, setting the standard in sports and entertainment.”

Legends’ existing clients include Real Madrid, SoFi Stadium, Dallas Cowboys, FC Barcelona, New York Yankees, and Ryder Cup, as well as the NFL, MLB, NASCAR, PGA of America and FIFA World Cup, while its expanded geographic reach will now support partners across Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and North and South America.

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Legends says it has created “the world’s preeminent premium live events company” with the completion of its blockbuster acquisition of ASM Global.

The $2.325 billion deal was first announced in November 2023 and has now been completed after receiving approval from the US Department of Justice (DOJ).

The combined company, which will reportedly have 10,000 full-time employees, plans to provide a “data-driven, customisable solution across all areas of venue operations and revenue generation”. Services include venue planning, development and management; content and event booking; partnerships and premium ticketing; and merchandise and hospitality services.

Backed by global investment firm Sixth Street, New York-headquartered premium experiences specialist Legends’ existing clients include Real Madrid, SoFi Stadium, Dallas Cowboys, FC Barcelona, New York Yankees, and Ryder Cup, as well as the NFL, MLB, NASCAR, PGA of America and FIFA World Cup.

Its expanded geographic reach will now support partners across Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and North and South America.

“The next era of Legends starts now,” says Dan Levy, CEO of Legends. “Over the course of 15 years, we have developed an unmatched solution to deliver a superior fan experience and help our partners grow. We are proud to add ASM Global to deliver even better experiences and value for our global partners, setting the standard in sports and entertainment.”

ASM, which is headquartered in Los Angeles, was formed in 2019 following a merger between arena operators AEG Facilities and Onex’s SMG. It operates buildings including Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium, ICC Sydney Convention Center, Avicii Arena in Stockholm, OVO Arena Wembley, Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai and State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

“The opportunities created by our companies’ collective capabilities will elevate not only the success of our partners, clients, and projects worldwide but the industry as a whole”

“One of our ASM Global mantras for a number of years has been ‘the future is now.’ By joining Legends, that future has not only arrived, but it couldn’t be brighter,” says Ron Bension, ASM Global president and CEO. “The opportunities created by our companies’ collective capabilities will elevate not only the success of our partners, clients, and projects worldwide but the industry as a whole.”

ASM equity holders AEG and Onex agreed to sell their ownership interests as part of the Legends agreement, with ASM continuing to serve existing and in-development AEG venues. For the time being, ASM Global will continue to operate under its name.

Legends, which was founded in 2008, recently reached a $3.5 million (€3.2m) settlement with the DOJ after being accused of “illegal premerger coordination” in connection with the planned purchase.

The DOJ filed a civil lawsuit in the Southern District of New York, alleging Legends had exercised “operational control over aspects of ASM during the HSR waiting period involving venue management services for an arena in California”. The settlement offered no determination of liability.

The experiences and hospitality realm is an increasing priority for the venue sector, accelerated by the launch of Oak View Group (OVG) in 2015 by former AEG CEO Tim Leiweke and ex-Live Nation chairman Irving Azoff. OVG has since upped its offering with its acquisitions of Philadelphia-based venue management firm Spectra and Rhubarb Hospitality Collection.

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Legends has reached a US$3.5 million (€3.2m) settlement with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) after being accused of “illegal premerger coordination” in connection with its planned purchase of ASM Global.

The New York-headquartered premium experiences giant confirmed in November 2023 that it had agreed to acquire ASM in a reputed $2.4 billion deal – subject to regulatory approvals – creating a premium global live events firm.

However, the DOJ filed a civil lawsuit in the Southern District of New York, alleging Legends had exercised “operational control over aspects of ASM during the HSR waiting period involving venue management services for an arena in California”.

The HSR (Hart-Scott-Rodino) Act prohibits companies from “improperly combining operations or other aspects of their businesses” until the required waiting period has expired.

“Companies must remain separate and independent before they close their merger,” says deputy assistant attorney general Andrew Forman of the Justice Department’s antitrust division. “Our complaint alleges that Legends did not live up to that obligation.”

At the same time as filing the lawsuit, the DOJ put forward a proposed final judgment that, if approved by the court, would resolve the case.

“We look forward to closing our deal with ASM Global this month”

Under the terms of the settlement, which offers no determination of liability, Legends must pay a $3.5m civil penalty, refrain from certain conduct, appoint an antitrust compliance officer, implement an antitrust training and compliance program and submit regular compliance reporting to the department.

“The proposed settlement requires Legends to pay a meaningful civil penalty and imposes significant obligations to try to ensure that Legends complies with the law moving forward,” adds Forman. “I commend our tremendous investigative teams who remain vigilant in trying to ensure that there is no improper coordination between parties before closing.”

Founded in 2008, Legends is backed by global investment firm Sixth Street. Its clients include prestigious brands such as Real Madrid, SoFi Stadium, Dallas Cowboys, FC Barcelona, New York Yankees and the Ryder Cup.

A spokesperson for Legends says the ASM acquisition remains on track to close before the end of August.

“We are pleased this matter is resolved,” says the spokesperson. “Moving forward, we are focused on continuing to serve our clients, and we look forward to closing our deal with ASM Global this month.”

Los Angeles-headquartered ASM Global, which was formed in 2019 following a merger between arena operators AEG Facilities and Onex’s SMG, operates buildings including ICC Sydney Convention Center, Avicii Arena in Stockholm, OVO Arena Wembley, Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai and State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

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Premium experiences specialist Legends – which agreed a deal to acquire ASM Global last year – has appointed ex-Meta executive Dan Levy as CEO.

Levy, who joined Legends last month as interim president, served at Meta/Facebook for almost 15 years, latterly as VP of business messaging, before departing the company in 2023.

First reported by Sports Business Journal, Levy’s appointment will see former Legends’ CEO Shervin Mirhashemi transition to the position of vice-chair at the company.

“We are poised to take Legends to new horizons at the forefront of sports and entertainment”

“You have my commitment that this next chapter of Legends’ growth trajectory will be the most impressive yet,” Mirhashemi told employees in an email. “With Dan as CEO, together with [co-president and COO] Mike Tomon and the rest of our seasoned management team, we are poised to take Legends to new horizons at the forefront of sports and entertainment.”

Levy’s recent arrival at Legends coincided with the departures of multiple Legends executives, including former co-president and chief corporate officer Curt McClellan and longtime president of hospitality Dan Smith, who moved into a senior advisory role. The firm named Tom Funk as president, hospitality, in January.

Legends’ reputed US$2.4 billion acquisition of ASM Global was announced in November 2023 and is currently awaiting approval from the Department of Justice (DOJ).

ASM Global, which was formed in 2019 following a merger between arena operators AEG Facilities and Onex’s SMG, operates buildings including ICC Sydney Convention Center, Avicii Arena in Stockholm, OVO Arena Wembley, Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai and State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

ASM equity holders AEG and Onex will sell their ownership interests as part of the agreement, while ASM will continue to serve existing and in-development AEG venues.

Founded in 2008, Legends is backed by global investment firm Sixth Street. The company’s fully integrated retail and merchandising vertical solution spans e-commerce, in-venue retail, large-scale live events, brick-and-mortar store operations, licensing and customer merchandise.

Its clients include prestigious brands such as Real Madrid, SoFi Stadium, Dallas Cowboys, FC Barcelona, New York Yankees, and Ryder Cup, as well as the NFL, MLB, NASCAR, PGA of America and FIFA World Cup.

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Global premium experiences company Legends, which recently acquired venue management giant ASM Global, has appointed Tom Funk as president, hospitality.

Funk brings more than 20 years’ experience in the hospitality industry to his new role, having operated within every venue type and held leadership roles with Levy, Aramark, and Delaware North. He joins Legends from Compass Group, where he has served as EVP of its largest sector, Compass One Healthcare, since 2021. Previously, Funk spent nearly a decade at Levy, including six years as EVP and COO for the global hospitality business.

His appointment comes as Legends’ longtime president of hospitality Dan Smith moves into a new role as a senior advisor.

“The incredible growth and success of Legends’ hospitality business is attributed to Dan’s leadership and guidance since day one. We are grateful for his immeasurable contributions over the past 15 years,” says Legends CEO Shervin Mirhashemi.

“As we continue to focus on growing the business and delivering first-class hospitality experiences for our partners, we are fortunate to have Tom take the reins and lead this next phase. Tom’s stellar reputation as an innovator and operator and his experience growing global platforms ensures he is the right leader for the future.”

“Food & beverage and merchandise play a critical role in delivering an exceptional fan and guest experience”

Founded in 2008, Legends is backed by global investment firm Sixth Street. The company’s fully integrated retail and merchandising vertical solution spans e-commerce, in-venue retail, large-scale live events, brick-and-mortar store operations, licensing and customer merchandise.

Its clients include prestigious brands such as Real Madrid, SoFi Stadium, Dallas Cowboys, FC Barcelona, New York Yankees, and Ryder Cup, as well as the NFL, MLB, NASCAR, PGA of America and FIFA World Cup.

“I am thrilled and humbled to be joining the incredibly talented team at Legends,” says Funk. “I have been very fortunate in my career to work with many of the best in the hospitality and sports and entertainment industry, Dan Smith and the entire Legends organisation sit firmly in that group. They have built an amazing business poised for growth.

“Food & beverage and merchandise play a critical role in delivering an exceptional fan and guest experience, and we have a significant responsibility to represent our partners’ brands in the best way possible. I’m excited to continue to evolve and grow our capabilities to ensure we do this, while also providing innovative concepts and solutions that will deliver great outcomes for our partners.”

Legends’ reputed $2.4 billion deal to acquire ASM Global and create a premium global live events company was announced in November. Current ASM equity holders AEG and Ondex will sell their ownership interests as part of the agreement, while ASM will continue to serve existing and in-development AEG venues.

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Legends’ blockbuster acquisition of ASM Global promises to usher in a new era in the venue management sector as the company battles for international market supremacy with Oak View Group.

The reputed $2.4 billion deal to create a premium global live events company was announced yesterday (7 November).

Launched four years ago following a merger between arena operators AEG Facilities and Onex’s SMG, ASM operates buildings including ICC Sydney Convention Center, Avicii Arena in Stockholm, OVO Arena Wembley, Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, Brooklyn’s Barclays Center and State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Current ASM Global equity holders AEG and Ondex will sell their ownership interests as part of the agreement, while ASM will continue to serve existing and in-development AEG venues.

“[The] announcement is the culmination of the journey AEG and Onex embarked on in early 2019 when we completed the merger of AEG Facilities and SMG to form ASM Global,” says Dan Beckerman, president and CEO of AEG. “Our purpose has been clear from the start – to drive ASM’s growth and create significant value for ASM and its clients. Despite the tremendous impact of the pandemic, we were able to unlock substantial business value over the past four years with ASM growing both its revenues and global portfolio.”

AEG-owned venues including The O2 in London, AccorHotel Arena in Paris, Germany’s Barclays Arena in Hamburg and Mercedes-Benz Arena Berlin and Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena will remain under AEG control.

“While we will no longer be an owner in ASM, we look forward to continuing to work with the company and its talented leadership team”

“This transaction will allow us to focus on the continued growth of AEG’s core businesses, including our owned and operated real estate and venues and our live entertainment and ticketing business,” says Ted Fikre, vice chairman and chief legal and development officer of AEG. “AEG has enjoyed our successful partnership with Onex and, while we will no longer be an owner in ASM, we look forward to continuing to work with the company and its talented leadership team as they pursue ongoing success under the stewardship of Legends as the new owner.”

The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals, is targeted to close in 2024.

“We are extremely grateful to the entire ASM leadership team for their unwavering dedication to positioning the business for success, in particular during the unparalleled operating environment they faced during the pandemic, which has allowed ASM to recover so strongly and have great long-term prospects,” says Kosty Gilis, MD at Onex Partners. “We would also like to thank AEG who have been wonderful partners consistent with their impeccable reputation in the marketplace.”

Founded in 2008, Sixth Street-backed premium experiences specialist Legends provides venue planning and project management, premium sales, sponsorship, hospitality and merchandise services. Its clients include prestigious brands such as Real Madrid, SoFi Stadium, Dallas Cowboys, FC Barcelona, New York Yankees, and Ryder Cup, as well as the NFL, MLB, NASCAR, PGA of America and FIFA World Cup.

“We believe ASM is being acquired by an outstanding company in Legends who will take the business to new heights,” adds Amir Motamedi, MD at Onex Partners. “We wish them much success in the coming years as they continue to grow the business and serve customers globally.”

“I always remind our folks, stay focused on us”

Legends says the ASM deal will enhance its services portfolio, positioning it to “meet the expanding needs” of sports organisations, venues and attractions around the globe, while “supporting its vision to deliver exceptional live experiences for fans in the digital age”.

The experiences and hospitality realms are increasing priorities for the sector. Fellow venue giant Oak View Group (OVG), which was founded in 2015 by former AEG CEO Tim Leiweke and ex-Live Nation chairman Irving Azoff, oversees the operations of new venues such as Climate Pledge Arena at Seattle Center, UBS Arena in Belmont Park, New York, and Moody Center in Austin, Texas, and Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs, California, as well as the Co-op Live development in Manchester, UK.

OVG upped its offering with its acquisitions of Philadelphia-based venue management firm Spectra and Rhubarb Hospitality Collection.

OVG boss Leiweke attempted to play down the rivalry between the two behemoths in an appearance on The Bob Leftsetz Podcast earlier this year.

“I always remind our folks, stay focused on us,” said Leiweke. “We’re the greatest asset we have and we’re our own worst enemies. So stay focused on us. We’re going to be great, not because ASM is bad. We’re going to be great because OVG is going to excel.”

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