BEIJING and WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) Ticketmaster has expanded its operations in the People's Republic of China by acquiring a majority stake in Emma Entertainment Holdings HK, Limited, a provider of ticketing and event promotions services in China. The investment in Emma Entertainment reflects Ticketmaster's continued commitment to fostering the growth of live events in the People's Republic of China. It marks the third investment Ticketmaster has made in the market in the past 12 months, following the formation of Beijing Gehua Ticketmaster Ticketing Co., Ltd. and Broadway China Network.
"What attracted us to Emma is great local management. Jonathan Krane, Emma Entertainment's CEO, has done a fantastic job navigating the complicated dynamics of the rapidly developing Chinese market," said Eric Korman, executive vice president, Ticketmaster. "Under Jon's leadership, Emma has established more than 30 exclusive ticketing venue contracts in five different major cities in China in just three years of operation. Equally as important, Emma has been instrumental in presenting many major events into the People's Republic of China, such as the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton. We're thrilled about the investment and we look forward to working with all of our partners to accelerate live events in the PRC."
"Emma is proud to become a part of the world's leading ticketing company," said Krane. "We look forward to working with Ticketmaster to develop our Chinese ticketing operations and bring great live entertainment to the people of China."
Emma Entertainment will continue to grow its ticketing and event promotion services and facilitate advanced ticket sales to consumers in China. Emma Entertainment will change its name to Emma Ticketmaster, and become an operating business of Ticketmaster. Krane will remain CEO and will continue to be responsible for leading Emma's business and strategic operations in China.
–Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
