Connecting the live music industry

Live Nation Agrees to Acquire ForumNet Group in Italy

February
4

Live Nation Entertainment has signed an agreement to acquire ForumNet Group from Bastogi S.p.A., marking a further expansion of the company’s investment in Italy’s live entertainment market.

The transaction places Unipol Forum at the centre of the deal. Opened in 1990, the arena has hosted around two million visitors annually and is one of Italy’s best-known live music and sports venues.

Over the years, it has welcomed a wide range of international and Italian artists, while also serving as the home of Olimpia Milano’s basketball team. The venue is scheduled to host figure skating and short track speed skating events during the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Under the agreement, Live Nation plans to invest in upgrades at Unipol Forum, including improvements to audience facilities, artist and production infrastructure, and sustainability measures aimed at reducing the venue’s environmental footprint. The investment is intended to build on the venue’s Olympic role and support its long-term operation as a major destination for live entertainment and sport.

The acquisition also includes Teatro Repower, a mid-size indoor venue, and the management of Carroponte, an open-air site used for concerts and cultural events.

Roberto de Luca, President, Live Nation Italy, said:

“We’re proud to welcome these historic Milan venues to Live Nation and invest in their future. The Forum has hosted some of the greatest Italian and international artists and we look forward to creating even more opportunities for artists and fans. The ForumNet venues will continue under an independent management team, maintaining longstanding relationships with all partners and promoters.”

Marco Cabassi, President, Bastogi Group, commented:

“These venues have been at the heart of Milan’s cultural life for decades. Partnering with Live Nation ensures they will continue to thrive, welcoming fans and artists from both Italy and around the world for years to come.”

ForumNet’s existing management team will remain in place following completion of the transaction, and the venues will continue to be open to all event organisers and promoters. Live Nation will continue to promote concerts and events across Italy as part of its wider operations.

The deal is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to complete in April 2026. Italy’s live entertainment sector generated an estimated €4.5 billion in revenue in 2024.

ForumNet venues included in the transaction

Unipol Forum (capacity up to 15,800)

Teatro Repower (capacity up to 1,700)

Carroponte (open-air venue, capacity up to 12,000)