Coldplay gig tickets could cost more with Ticketmaster/Live Nation merger

Millions of music fans may face dearer concert tickets if a mega-merger is allowed, watchdogs warned yesterday. The Competition Commission wants to scupper a £500million tie-up between booking agency Ticketmaster and promoter Live Nation.

It is powerless to block the deal as both businesses are based in the US. But, fearing the move may get the go-ahead from American authorities, it yesterday revealed ways to limit its power in the UK. Options include forcing bosses to split or sell UK arms or make them flog tickets through rivals. World No.1 Ticketmaster has 50% of the UK market, with nearest rival See Tickets about 20%. Last year Germany's CTS, the global No.2, announced it wanted to expand in the UK. But that is unlikely if the Ticketmaster deal goes ahead, with the Commission saying: "It could lead to higher prices and lower service quality."

Live Nation is the world's largest concert promoter, with Madonna, Coldplay and U2 among stars on its books. Singing legend Bruce Springsteen opposed the deal. But Ticketmaster and Live Nation stated yesterday they "remain optimistic that it will ultimately be approved".

Antitrust experts said the ruling makes it more likely that U.K. and U.S. authorities will coordinate a response. That could mean Ticketmaster and Live Nation will be forced to sell off assets, or forced to sell some concert tickets through a competitor.

Ticketmaster, based in West Hollywood, is the largest seller of tickets to live concerts and other entertainment events in the United States. It also owns an artist management company, Front Line Management, and ticket-reselling company TicketsNow. Live Nation, based in Los Angeles, is the world's largest concert promoter. It also owns more than 140 entertainment venues.

Ticketmaster shares slid 56 cents, or 4.5 percent, to close at $11.90, while Live Nation shares fell 48 cents, or 5.6 percent, to $8.14.