Clear Channel Entertainment has entered the Italian concert market with the acquisition of Italy's two leading music promotion businesses – Milano Concerti and Trident Agency — further growing its European network. The new businesses will be merged and operate as Clear Channel Entertainment Italia.
Milano Concerti was founded in 1985 by Roberto de Luca; Trident Agency was founded in 1971 by Maurizio Salvadori. Both have worked with Italy's top touring artists, including Eros Ramazzotti, Vasco Rossi, Jovanotti, Zucchero, Ligabue, Laura Pausini, Irene Grandi and Elisa, as well as major international touring artists including Bon Jovi, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, REM, Bon Jovi, Santana, Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Spice Girls.
In addition to its music operations, Trident Agency also produces and distributes original television programming, including top Italian programs, "Campioni per Sempre," "Superclassifica" and Nightexpress."
"Italy is a strong live entertainment market, and an important country for us to add to our growing network as we develop pan-European music touring, family entertainment, motor sports and television opportunities," said Brian Becker, CCE chairman/CEO.
"The alliance between Trident Agency and Milano Concerti under the aegis of Clear Channel Entertainment is exciting for the live music scene in Italy and in Europe," said de Luca. "Combining the experiences of the two leading companies in the production of live music in Italy will open new prospects for the business. Clear Channel Entertainment Italia combines my experiences with that of Maurizio Salvadori and our respective teams, in addition to Clear Channel Entertainment's vast network and resources. In addition to reinforcing our own activities, promoting and producing concerts and TV productions, the goal of the new company is the growth of the Italian artists on an international level. It is the beginning of new business prospects, which makes me feel confident in the future of the new company."
"The new company that was created in Italy and directed by Roberto De Luca and myself, is a leader in the field and is poised to expand further," added Salvadori. "Italy is a country that, within the European continent, has a market of important national artists who have great potential to grow abroad. Clear Channel Entertainment Italia can give more efficient assistance to the Italian artists than has been previously available. Additionally, we will now be able to develop family entertainment, a relatively untapped prospect in Italy. I am motivated and prepared to embark on this new adventure with great enthusiasm."
In Europe, Clear Channel Entertainment now operates from the UK, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. Clear Channel Entertainment's Europe headquarters are located in London.
