Stock Markets February 4, 2026

Live Nation to buy ForumNet as it deepens foothold in Italy’s live events market

Deal values ForumNet at 90 million euros enterprise value; Unipol Forum in Milan is the transaction's focal asset

By Derek Hwang
Live Nation to buy ForumNet as it deepens foothold in Italy’s live events market

Live Nation Entertainment has entered an agreement to acquire Italy-based venue operator ForumNet from holding company Bastogi in a transaction valuing the business at an enterprise value of 90 million euros. The purchase, centered on Milan's Unipol Forum, carries a theoretical equity value near 103 million euros after a positive net adjustment of about 13 million euros and is expected to close in April, subject to customary conditions.

Key Points

  • Live Nation has agreed to acquire Italy-based ForumNet from Bastogi, with an enterprise value set at 90 million euros.
  • Bastogi indicates a positive net adjustment of about 13 million euros, implying a theoretical equity value near 103 million euros.
  • The transaction centers on Milan’s Unipol Forum, a major indoor arena that will host concerts, sports events, congresses and skating events during the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Live Nation Entertainment late on Tuesday said it has reached an agreement to acquire ForumNet, a venue operator based in Italy, from holding firm Bastogi. Bastogi reported that the transaction places ForumNet at an enterprise value of 90 million euros, with the final consideration to be adjusted at closing.

According to Bastogi, the deal implies a theoretical equity value of roughly 103 million euros following a positive net adjustment of about 13 million euros. Live Nation stated that the transaction is expected to be completed in April, pending customary closing conditions.

The acquisition is concentrated on Milan’s Unipol Forum, described in company statements as a major indoor arena that hosts concerts, sporting events and congresses. The venue is also scheduled to host figure skating and short track speed skating during the 2026 Winter Olympics.

"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," Bastogi Group President Marco Cabassi said.

The announcement notes that the final price will be adjusted at closing, and that completion remains subject to the usual contractual and regulatory steps companies follow when finalizing a deal. The financing structure, operational integration plans and other transaction details were not disclosed in the statements provided.


This transaction increases Live Nation’s exposure to the Italian live events sector through ownership of a high-profile venue in Milan. The Unipol Forum’s role in hosting a mix of concerts, sports and conferences positions it as a multifunctional asset within the local events economy, and the arena’s scheduled use in the 2026 Winter Olympics highlights a defined near-term major event on its calendar.

Currency conversion cited with the announcement places $1 at 0.8466 euros.

Risks

  • Final price remains subject to adjustment at closing - this introduces uncertainty for the ultimate equity consideration and affects the financial terms. (Impacted sectors: corporate finance, live events)
  • Completion of the transaction is conditional on customary closing requirements - the deal could be delayed or fail to close if conditions are not satisfied. (Impacted sectors: mergers and acquisitions, live entertainment)
  • Limited transaction disclosure - the announcement does not provide details on financing, integration plans or other commercial terms, leaving uncertainties about post-close operations and market effects. (Impacted sectors: venue operations, events, investor analysis)

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