Key facts
- Ari Emanuel's Mari Group has agreed to acquire ATG Entertainment.
- The acquisition is valued at approximately $6 billion (£4.5 billion).
- ATG Entertainment owns prominent venues including the Savoy and Lyceum theatres in London, and seven Broadway theatres.
- The deal underscores the perceived growing power of live entertainment experiences.
- Mari Group was launched last year with significant investor backing.
Ari Emanuel's events company, Mari Group, has agreed to acquire ATG Entertainment, a prominent owner and operator of theaters on Broadway and in London's West End, in a deal reportedly valued at $6 billion (£4.5 billion).
Emmanuel, who leads WME Group and TKO Group (owner of UFC and WWE), stated that the acquisition underscores the "growing power of live experience and the passionate audiences it brings together." He believes that advancements like AI could lead to shorter work weeks, potentially increasing leisure time and spending on arts and entertainment.
The sale marks a significant exit for private equity firm Providence, which has owned ATG since 2013. ATG Entertainment's portfolio includes well-known venues such as the Savoy and the Lyceum in London, as well as seven theatres on Broadway and regional playhouses. For the year ending March 2025, ATG Entertainment reported revenue of £924 million and adjusted EBITDA of £208 million.
Mari Group, launched last year, secured substantial backing from investors including the Qatar Investment Authority, RedBird Capital, and Apollo. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval.