Clear Channel Entertainment, the world’s leading producer and marketer of live entertainment, announced today the acquisition of Italy’s two leading music promotion businesses, Milano Concerti and Trident Agency.
The addition of Milano Concerti and Trident Agency represents Clear Channel Entertainment’s entry into the Italian live entertainment market, providing a significant in-market position while expanding the company’s growing European network. The new businesses will be merged and operate as Clear Channel Entertainment Italia.
Milano Concerti, founded by Roberto de Luca in 1985, and Trident Agency, founded by Maurizio Salvadori in 1971, work with Italy’s top touring artists, including Vasco Rossi, Eros Ramazzotti, Jovanotti, Zucchero, Ligabue, Laura Pausini, Irene Grandi and Elisa. The companies have also promoted major international touring artists including 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 Clear Channel Entertainment Chairman and CEO Brian Becker.
“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 Roberto de Luca, Founder, Milano Concerti. “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,” said Maurizio Salvadori, founder, Trident Agency. “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.