Italy’s Vivaticket allies with MyTicket Asia
Malaysia-based SeatAdvisor has partnered with Vivaticket, the Italian multinational ticketing and technology company, as Vivaticket’s exclusive reseller in south-east Asia.
SeatAdvisor, whose MyTicket Asia platform looks after ticketing for some of the region’s biggest events and venues, including Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit and Kuala Lumpur Sports City, becomes exclusive B2C resale partner to Bologna-based Vivaticket, whose ticketing and access-control products are used to sell over 650 million tickets annually across the world.
Dirk Sass, founder and CEO of MyTicket Asia, comments: “We are delighted to partner with Vivaticket as their exclusive reseller for the south-east Asia region. With our wide network and regional partners in Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Bangladesh and India, we will be able to bring first-class services and technology into stadiums throughout the region.
“We are also looking forward to building a bridge for Asian travellers to buy original tickets for venues and events managed by Vivaticket.
“This new collaboration will help us … to expand into an important market like the Asian one”
“Vivaticket is known to offer ticket services for many international artists, the largest soccer stadiums and competitions, as well as the reputable Disney California Adventure Park. This partnership open new avenues for both sides and further future discussions are on the way. Thank you to Luca and his team for the trust and faith to build the new future of Asia ticketing and stadium management.”
“Thanks to its ticketing system, Vivaticket already sells more than 651 million tickets per year in 50 countries, with over 2,700 installations, through responsive portals and mobile apps,” adds Luca Montebugnoli, executive chairman of Vivaticket. “This new collaboration with a partner of great value will help us to increase these numbers and to expand into an important market like the Asian one.”
Vivaticket, formerly Best Union, is one of three leading primary ticketing companies in Italy, along with Ticketmaster Italy and market leader TicketOne (CTS Eventim).
The company, which has offices in Italy, Spain, Australia, the UAE, the UK, France, the US and Singapore, was acquired by Bahrain-based Investcorp in September 2019.
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Eventim UK appoints John Gibson as MD
CTS Eventim has appointed John Gibson as managing director of its London-based British subsidiary, Eventim UK.
Gibson, who started his new role in January, joins Eventim UK from online marketplace Groupon UK, where he headed up the live ticketing business for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
The new Eventim UK MD previously held senior positions at SeatGeek, Vivaticket, Ticketmaster UK and See Tickets.
“I am delighted to have John on board in his role of managing director,” comments Eventim UK chairman Nick Blackburn.
“Gibson brings a wealth of experience with him, including an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of our industry”
“He brings a wealth of experience with him; which includes an in-depth knowledge, and understanding, of all aspects of our industry.”
According to the International Ticketing Yearbook 2019, Eventim UK is one of a number of major international corporates operating in the UK ticketing industry, along with Ticketmaster, See Tickets, AXS and Eventbrite.
Read IQ’s special anniversary feature on CTS Eventim here.
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Investcorp acquires Italy’s Vivaticket
Bahrain-based Investcorp, an alternative investment specialist, has acquired Italian ticketing software provider Ticket Holding, known as Vivaticket.
Investcorp, which acquired a minority stake in United Talent Agency last year, is buying Vivaticket from co-founders Luca Montebugnoli and Luana Sabattini, as well as board members Giuseppe Camillo Pilenga and Stefano Landi.
Financial details for the transaction, which is expected to close by the end of the year, have not been disclosed.
Both co-founders and the Vivaticket management team will remain involved in the company, holding “a meaningful stake”.
The Bologna-headquartered company works with more than 2,100 clients across 50 countries, including Disney World and FC Barcelona, and has provided ticketing services for live events including Vasco Rossi’s record-breaking show in Modena Park (225,000 tickets sold) and tour dates by ACDC, Queen, Bruce Springsteen and Renato Zero.
“Vivaticket is a formidable customer-oriented software solutions provider with an impressive and entrepreneurial management team,” says Daniel Lopez-Cruz, head of Investcorp’s European private equity group.
“Investcorp […] will be able to further accelerate the growth of Vivaticket with the aim of competing amongst the top three players globally”
“As global demand for entertainment and experiential content continues to increase, Vivaticket is ideally positioned to capitalise on multiple growth opportunities that directly align with Investcorp’s investment expertise.”
Lopez-Cruz states the partnership will support Vivaticket’s “international growth” alluding to “add-on acquisitions” that will “expand the company’s geographic footprint and further strengthen its presence in existing markets.”
“Investcorp is a distinguished and highly professional partner that, together with the existing management team, will be able to further accelerate the growth of Vivaticket with the aim of competing amongst the top three players globally,” comments Vivaticket co-founder Montebugnoli.
The Vivaticket executive stresses that the company’s “ethical and professional principles”, “technological innovation” and the “ability to attract talent” will remain at the core of the business.
Vivaticket, formerly Best Union, is one of three leading primary ticketing companies in Italy, along with CTS Eventim’s TicketOne and Live Nation’s Ticketmaster Italy. The company absorbed rival BookingShow in 2018.
With established operations in ten countries across Europe, the Middle East, Latin America and Asia Pacific, the company has offices in Italy, Spain, Australia, UAE, UK, France, the Unites States and Singapore.
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