Ari Emmanuel snaps up West End theatre group ATG for £4.5bn
Hollywood tycoon Ari Emmanuel has snapped up the theatre group behind West End venues including the Savoy and the Ambassadors in a deal worth around £4.5bn. Emmanuel, who runs an A-list media agency and helms the group which owns UFC, said the deal underscores the “growing power of live experience and the passionate audiences it [...]
Hollywood tycoon Ari Emmanuel has purchased the theatre group known as ATG for approximately £4.5bn, according to the latest reports. The deal, which was first disclosed by the Financial Times, marks a significant investment in the live experience industry. Emmanuel, who leads an A-list media agency, emphasized the growing influence of live performances and the enthusiastic audiences they attract.
He believes that artificial intelligence could revolutionize work schedules, allowing individuals to devote more time to leisure activities such as attending arts events.
ATG, which owns prestigious theatres such as the Savoy and the Ambassadors, completed its acquisition from its parent company, Providence, a private equity firm that has held the stake since 2013. Since the initial purchase for £350m, ATG has grown to manage 70 venues across the UK, investing over £50m to ensure its survival during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic.
Emmanuel, a prominent figure in the entertainment and media industry, has expressed optimism about the future of live performance, stating that it is a "long-term bet on where live goes next."
Melanie Smith, the chief executive of ATG, praised Mari Group's understanding of the theatres, their management teams, and the relationships that have been cultivated with producers, artists, and audiences.
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