Key facts
- Mari Group, founded by TKO CEO Ari Emanuel, is in advanced talks to buy ATG Entertainment.
- The potential deal is valued at approximately $5.94 billion (£4.5 billion).
- Providence, the current owner of ATG, is in exclusive negotiations.
- A deal could be finalized within the next month, but may be delayed.
Mari Group, a live events company founded by TKO CEO Ari Emanuel, is reportedly in advanced negotiations to acquire ATG Entertainment, a prominent British West End theater operator. The Financial Times reported that the deal could be worth approximately £4.5 billion, or $5.94 billion.
Providence, the current owner of ATG, has entered exclusive talks with Mari Group, with hopes of finalizing an agreement within the next month. However, the report cautioned that the timeline could still be subject to delays.
Emanuel also serves as the CEO of TKO, the parent company of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Reuters had previously reported that ATG Entertainment was being prepared for a potential sale by its private equity owner, Providence.
The acquisition of ATG Entertainment, previously known as Ambassador Theatre Group, could signify a significant recovery for the theater industry, which was severely impacted by pandemic-related lockdowns.