Ticketmaster parent settles antitrust case

But states to press ahead with claims

- JODY GODOY KRITIKA LAMBA

A Live Nation sign outside the US entertainment giant's offices in Hollywood, California.

(AFP)

Live Nation Entertainment settled with the US Justice Department (DoJ) in the middle of a trial on claims the Ticketmaster owner illegally dominated key parts of the live-events industry, the DoJ said on Monday.

The deal hands a win to Live Nation, which has faced criticism from fans and lawmakers over high ticket fees and ticket reselling practices. It also allows the DoJ to avoid what could have been a long court fight and deliver what it calls quicker benefits for fans and artists.

New York and a bipartisan coalition of 26 other states, along with Washington, DC, plan to press ahead with their claims.

Live Nation will sell off up to 13 amphitheatres under the proposed settlement and be barred from retaliating against venues that decline to use Ticketmaster to issue tickets, among other provisions intended to give artists and venues more choices, a senior DoJ official said.

It was not clear that Live Nation would sell the venues, however. Court documents indicated Live Nation had agreed to give up "ownership and/or control" of the 13 amphitheatres. Live Nation said it would sell off its "exclusive booking agreements" with the venues but continue to own and operate them.