AEG Wembley deal could threaten competition in music venue market

AEG's deal to manage Wembley Arena is being reviewed by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) to assess whether it could give the promoter too much power in the live entertainment market.

The deal could mean AEG has too much power in the market
The deal could mean AEG has too much power in the market

AEG, which also runs The O2, has signed a deal to operate Wembley Arena

The deal means AEG would run several large London music venues, after recently winning the five-year contract to run concerts in Hyde Park.

An OFT review takes place when a deal could cause a substantial lessening of competition in a particular UK market.

If the OFT it decides there is a significant risk of reduced competition, it can refer the deal to the Competition Commission under the Enterprise Act 2002 for heavier scrutiny. If the commission finds there is a competition risk, it could recommend that AEG divest several of its music venues for the deal to be approved.

A spokesperson for Wembley Arena’s owner Quintain told Event: "Quintain Estates & Development can confirm that it has signed a management agreement for Wembley Arena with AEG Facilities (UK) Limited, part of the Anschutz Entertainment Group. The deal is subject to review by the OFT."

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