Two on one ticket: Ticketcorner and Starticket join forces in Swiss ticketing

Ticketcorner Holding AG, owned by CTS Eventim and Ringier, on the one side and Tamedia on the other side have signed a transaction agreement today under which Ticketcorner and Starticket will in the future join forces in the Swiss market. The merger is still subject to the approval of the Swiss Competition Commission and shall be completed after approval in the first half of 2017. 
 
The merger of Ticketcorner and Starticket creates a far-reaching ticketing group with innovative services, high-performance platforms, mobile apps and scanning solutions for event costumers. Ticketcorner and Starticket react with this step to the increasing and more intensive competition in the ticketing business due to international providers, fast technological development and the growing importance of direct sales.  
 
International network and anchoring in Switzerland  
 
With CTS Eventim, a leading ticketing company in Europe, as a partner, Ticketcorner and Starticket will benefit from innovative ticketing solutions and an ongoing transfer of knowhow, innovation and technology. Ringier and Tamedia, the Swiss media groups, will ensure the anchoring in Switzerland. The joint ticketing group shall be led by Andreas Angehrn, the present CEO of Ticketcorner. 
 
Klaus-Peter Schulenberg, CEO of CTS Eventim AG & Co. KGaA: “With the merger of Ticketcorner and Starticket, event ticketing in Switzerland is moved to a new level and many synergies will arise for the benefit of promoters and ticket purchasers. Together with our new 
partners at Tamedia and our long-time co-shareholder Ringier, we can provide an interesting combination of assets to the joint venture.” 
 
 
Marc Walder, CEO of Ringier: „The merger of Ticketcorner and Starticket reflects that ticketing – just like other industries – is faced with major challenges. Digitalization, new technologies and distribution systems are changing this market radically.” 
 
Christoph Tonini, CEO of Tamedia: „Our event customers will benefit from the merger of Ticketcorner and Starticket through more reach, and our ticket purchasers through a bigger selection of events. We are looking forward to the cooperation with Ringier and CTS Eventim.” 
 
Via Ticketcorner Holding, Ticketcorner AG is currently half owned by each of CTS Eventim Group and media company Ringier. Starticket is part of media group Tamedia. In the new Ticketcorner AG, Ticketcorner Holding will hold 75% of the shares, and Tamedia will hold 25%. The parties have agreed not to disclose any further details about the transaction.