GLOBAL UPS ITS LIVE STAKE

Ashley Tabor’s Global has upped its stake in the live music business, acquiring six British festivals and increasing its interest in event management firm Broadwick Live. The news comes soon after the media and entertainment group scaled back its records, publishing and management division, Global Entertainment. A sign of the times?

Global has acquired SouthWestFour, Field Day, Boardmasters and Rewind Festival from Impresario, and Y Not and Truck from Count of Ten. An increased stake in Broadwick Live will see the two companies co-create new festivals and branded events, and take existing ones into new countries.

“We have a shared ambition to grow the portfolio and we look forward to doing this with Gareth and the team at Broadwick Live as well as the founders and managers of the festivals we have acquired,” said Sam Bush, Director of Global’s Live & Touring Division.

Global acquired a stake in Broadwick Live in June 2015 as its first acquisition in the festival sector. Earlier this year, Broadwick Live took stakes in Standon Calling, Glass Butter Beach and Lost Village. Its portfolio of music festivals also includes Festival No.6 and Snowbombing, which will be transported from Europe to North America with the first Snowbombing Canada in 2017, sponsored by Coors Light. Bacardi Triangle and the adidas Y3 fashion shows are amongst its branded events.

“Working with Global has helped us to realise our ambitions and then some," shared Broadwick Live CEO Gareth Cooper. "We have a strong partner that offers us unbelievable support and shares our goal to build an international festivals business, starting with our first venture in North America next year. What we have announced today is just the beginning.”

In addition to festivals, Global has expanded its touring arm, promoting acts such as the Pet Shop Boys, The Vamps, Melanie Martinez and Galantis.