- PPF and Live Nation will form a joint venture to operate flagship live entertainment venues in Czechia: O2 arena, O2 universum and Forum Karlín.
- The Partnership will combine PPF’s strong creative local content and venue ownership with Live Nation’s global expertise and know-how in the management of live entertainment venues. The venues’ management teams will remain in place, continuing to support all artists and show runners.
- The joint venture is set to significantly increase the scale, frequency and international profile of all types of local and international events in Czechia.
- While Live Nation will oversee venue operations through the joint venture, PPF will retain full ownership of O2 arena, O2 universum and the associated real estate assets.
- O2 arena and O2 universum will continue to operate under the established O2 brand.
PPF Group today announced a landmark partnership with Live Nation, one of the world’s leading live entertainment companies, to create a powerful new platform for Prague’s premier event venues. The partnership will combine O2 arena, O2 universum and Forum Karlín with Live Nation’s global expertise and know-how in the management of venues for live entertainment events.
The partnership is designed to significantly elevate both the scale and quality of live entertainment in the Czech Republic. It will strengthen Czechia’s and Prague’s position as key destinations on the map for live entertainment.
For the first time, Prague’s leading venues will be directly connected to a global live entertainment company. The partnership is expected to materially increase both the number and profile of events hosted in the Czech capital.
Under the agreement, PPF, through its wholly owned subsidiary Bestsport, will continue to own O2 arena, O2 universum and all related real estate assets. The newly established joint venture will take responsibility for day-to-day operations, booking and event programming, bringing Live Nation’s global expertise into the local market.
Live Nation will hold a 51% stake in the joint venture, with Bestsport holding 49%. This structure combines strong local ownership with best-in-class global operating capabilities. The inclusion of Forum Karlín in the partnership broadens the joint venture’s reach, enabling it to host a wider range of events.
Through the partnership with Live Nation, PPF is reinforcing its strategy of actively developing the long-term value of its assets while working with leading operators. The collaboration is expected to reshape Czechia’s position on the global live entertainment scene and expand both the commercial potential and international profile of its leading venues.
O2 arena, O2 universum and Forum Karlín will continue to operate under their established brands. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals.