The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is preparing to take legal action against entertainment giant Live Nation on Thursday, several sources familiar with the matter confirmed to the BBC’s US partner, CBS News.
Prosecutors are expected to challenge the business practices of parent company Ticketmaster, the sources said.
In many cases, when the DOJ sues over competition issues, it seeks to force a company to spin off parts of its business or change the way it operates.
The DOJ declined to comment when contacted by the BBC. The BBC has also requested comment from Live Nation.
The federal government will be joined in its legal challenge by numerous state attorneys general, CBS News said.
The move follows a years-long investigation by the DOJ’s antitrust division. In 2022, CBS News reported that the Justice Department was investigating the company and its Ticketmaster unit.
Live Nation Entertainment was formed from the 2010 merger of US-based events promoter Live Nation and ticket sales and distribution company Ticketmaster.
Live Nation Entertainment is facing growing criticism from fans, lawmakers, artists and competitors.
The company has been accused of having too much influence over live entertainment events in the United States and around the world.
In November 2022, TicketThe Master angered Taylor Swift fans when his website crashed during a pre-sale period for the Eras Tour.
After the DOJ case was announced, Live Nation shares fell more than 6% after hours in New York.
