Hubbry Logo
CTS EventimCTS EventimMain
Open search
CTS Eventim
Community hub
CTS Eventim
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
CTS Eventim
CTS Eventim
from Wikipedia

CTS Eventim is a German company in the leisure-events market, with ticketing and live entertainment, headquartered in Bremen.[1] It is one of the 50 companies comprising the MDAX index.

Key Information

History

[edit]
Waldbühne, Berlin

CTS Computer Ticket Service GmbH was founded by Munich-based concert promoters Marcel Avram and Matthias Hoffmann on 4 November 1989. It was acquired in 1996 by Klaus-Peter Schulenberg.[2][3] Schulenberg took the company partially public on 1 February 2000 on the Frankfurt stock exchange.[4] That same year, the company entered into the live entertainment market with the partial acquisitions of several German concert promoters, such as Marek Lieberberg Konzertagentur, Peter Rieger Konzertagentur, Semmel Concerts, Argo Konzerte, FKP Scorpio, and Dirk Becker Entertainment.[5] Over the years, CTS Eventim would acquire several other ticketing and live entertainment companies, including Austrian promoter Barracuda Music (71% in 2017), Italian promoters Vertigo (51% in 2017) and Friends & Partners (60% in 2017), Holiday on Ice (50% in 2014 followed by a complete acquisition in 2016), Ticket Online (100% in 2010) and Stage Entertainment's remaining ticketing companies in France, Spain and the Netherlands (100% in 2014)[6][7][8][9] and the Italian DI and GI Srl (60% in 2018), company that organizes Lucca Summer Festival, one of the most important Italian music festivals. [10]

Together with other sponsors, CTS Eventim ensured the long-term continuation of the Kontaktstudiengang Popularmusik at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg since 2008, now known as Eventim Popkurs.[11]

Lanxess Arena, Cologne

In the late 2000's the company started operating several venues, starting with the Waldbühne in Berlin.[12]

The company diversified its ticketing operations in 2015 when it acquired 51% of the German-based Kinoheld, a company that specialises in ticket sales for cinemas. The ownership was raised in 2018 to 100%.[13]

In November 2019, CTS Eventim's revenue exceeded €1 billion for the first time in a nine-month period, and the share price had risen 60% that year to reach a market capitalisation of €5.2 billion.[14]

Eventim France and France Billet merged their French activities in 2019, in the new company Eventim will hold a 48% of the shares with a possibility of raising the ownership in the coming years.[15] The company also merged its Swiss subsidiaries in 2020 with Gadget Entertainment AG and Wepromote Entertainment Group Switzerland AG, taking a 60% share in the new company named Gadget abc Entertainment Group AG.[16]

On 21 February 2020 it was announced that the company would enter the US market via a joint venture with Michael Cohl.[17]

In July 2021, CTS Eventim launched Eventim Live Asia.[18] In August 2021, the company announced plans to construct one of the Italy's largest multipurpose arena, PalaItalia.

Assets

[edit]

Ticketing

[edit]

CTS Eventim (co-)owns several ticketing companies in 21 countries, using various brands.[a][19][20]

Austrian brand
  • Eventim: Germany, Poland, Norway, Sweden, Croatia, Great Britain, Bulgaria, Israel 70%, The Netherlands, Brazil and Slovenia
  • Entradas: Spain
  • Ticketcorner: Switzerland
  • Lippu.fi: Finland
  • Billetlugen: Denmark
  • TicketOne: Italy 99,7%
  • France Billet: France 48%
  • See Tickets: United Kingdom
  • Oeticket: Austria 86%
    • Eventim: Romania 80%
    • Eventim: Hungary
Hammersmith Apollo, London

Live entertainment

[edit]

CTS Eventim holds shares in several live entertainment companies via two subsidiaries.[1][19][20]

Eventim Live GmbH 94.4%

  • FKP Scorpio Konzertproduktionen 50.2%
    • CRP Konzertagentur 50.2%
    • FKP Scorpia
    • FKP Poland
    • ESK Events 50%
    • Friendly Fire
    • FKP Scorpio Nordic 90%
      • FKP Sweden 51%
        • Woah Dad! Live
      • FKP Norway 91%
      • Fullsteam
        • Seinajoki Festivals 65%
    • Palazzo
  • Holiday On Ice
  • Gadget abc Entertainment Group AG 60%[16]
    • ABC Production
    • Gadget Entertainment
  • Eventimpresents
    • Vaddi Concerts
    • Seekers Event 51,1%
    • Promoters Group Munich
      (25.2% via Eventimpresents, 37.4% via Semmel Concerts Entertainment, 37.4% via ARGO Konzerte)
    • Dirk Becker Entertainment 83%
      (10% via Eventimpresents, 73% via Eventim live GmbH)
  • Doctor Music Concerts 63.5%
    • In Cow We Trust 60%
  • Semmel Concerts Entertainment 50.2%
    • Show Factory Entertainment 51%
  • Peter Rieger Konzertagentur
  • ARGO Konzerte 50.2%
  • All Artists Agency 51%
  • ALDA Germany 51%
  • Act Entertainment 51%
  • Vertigo 51%
  • Smash!Bang!Pow!

EVENTIM LIVE INTERNATIONAL GmbH 100%

  • Friends & Partners 60%
    • Vivo Concerti 60%
  • Barracuda 71%
    • Arcadia Live
  • Talent Concert International 51%
  • Di&Gi - D'Alesandro e Galli 60%
K.B. Hallen, Copenhagen

Venues

[edit]

CTS Eventim operates several venues across Europe.[19][20]

Notes

[edit]
[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
CTS Eventim AG & Co. KGaA is a German specializing in ticketing services and live , serving as Europe's leading provider of ticketing solutions and the world's second-largest in the sector. Headquartered in , the company markets over 300 million tickets annually through its digital platforms and systems for events including concerts, theater, sports, and festivals. Founded in as Computer Ticket Service (CTS), it was acquired and expanded by Klaus-Peter in , evolving into a publicly traded entity listed on the since 2000. The company's operations are divided into two primary segments: Ticketing, which encompasses the development, sale, and distribution of tickets via online portals, mobile apps, and point-of-sale systems across more than 20 countries; and Live , which focuses on promoting and producing tours, concerts, musicals, and family shows, often in partnership with major artists and venues. With a workforce of 4,434 employees as of , CTS Eventim reported revenue of €2.809 billion in , reflecting strong growth in the live events sector post the . Beyond core entertainment, CTS Eventim has diversified into adjacent services, such as toll collection systems in collaboration with partners like Kapsch TrafficCom, leveraging its technological expertise in data management and processing. In 2024, the company expanded into Asia through EVENTIM LIVE ASIA and was awarded the contract to build and operate a new 20,000-seat arena in Vienna. Under the long-term leadership of CEO Klaus-Peter Schulenberg, who has over 45 years in the industry, the company emphasizes innovation in digital ticketing to combat fraud and enhance fan experiences, solidifying its position as a key player in the global leisure events market.

Company Overview

Profile and Operations

CTS Eventim AG & Co. KGaA is a German enterprise operating in the leisure events sector, with a primary focus on ticketing services and live activities. Structured as a auf Aktien (KGaA), the company is headquartered in , , and serves as a key player in facilitating access to cultural and experiences across and beyond. The organization's operations are organized around a dual-segment business model. The ticketing segment handles both online and offline ticket sales through proprietary platforms, enabling efficient distribution for a wide array of events. Complementing this, the live entertainment segment involves the promotion and production of concerts, theater performances, and other live events, leveraging strategic partnerships with artists and venues to drive attendance and revenue. As of 2025, CTS Eventim employs approximately 5,200 individuals globally, supporting its extensive operational footprint. Positioned as Europe's largest ticketing provider and the world's second-largest in the field, CTS Eventim markets over 300 million tickets annually via its digital and physical channels, underscoring its dominant in the global events ecosystem. The company is publicly listed on the index of the , trading under the DE0005470306, which reflects its established status among mid-cap firms in the media and entertainment industry.

Leadership

CTS Eventim AG & Co. KGaA operates under a dual-board governance structure typical of German public companies, consisting of the Executive Board (Management Board), responsible for day-to-day operations and strategic implementation, and the Supervisory Board, which oversees the Executive Board and advises on major decisions. As of 2025, the Executive Board comprises four members, expanded from three at the end of 2024. The Executive Board is led by Klaus-Peter Schulenberg, who serves as Chairman of the Management Board and (CEO), a role he has held since founding the company and through its evolution following the 1996 acquisition that shaped its modern structure. In this capacity, Schulenberg oversees the company's overall strategic direction, including expansion in ticketing and live entertainment across . Alexander Ruoff acts as (COO) and member of the Executive Board since 2002, managing operational aspects such as , , and regional coordination. Holger Hohrein has served as (CFO) and Executive Board member, contributing to the company's financial strategy, including budgeting, , and ; however, his departure was announced in September 2025 and will take effect on December 31, 2025, by mutual agreement with no successor named as of November 2025. Karel Dörner joined as (CTO) in January 2025, responsible for the group's technological infrastructure, digitalization initiatives, data-driven models, and AI integration. The , with Bernd Kundrun as Chairman since at least 2014, provides oversight on governance, compliance, and major strategic matters, including approving executive appointments and financial reports. Other key members include Vice Chairman Cornelius Baur, who chairs the , and representatives such as Wybcke Meier and Philipp Westermeyer, ensuring a balance of independent and shareholder interests. In regional leadership updates, Marijke van den Bosch was appointed in January 2025 as CEO for CTS Eventim's operations, overseeing all ticketing activities across , the , and , building on her prior role as CEO of Benelux. This change reflects the company's efforts to streamline regional management amid its European expansion.

History

Founding and Early Development

CTS Eventim traces its origins to November 4, 1989, when concert promoters Marcel Avram and Matthias Hoffmann established CTS Computer Ticket Service in , , as a specialized ticketing agency. The company initially concentrated on supplying ticketing solutions for concerts and other live events, operating primarily as a network of stationary ticket offices across to facilitate sales for local promoters and venues. This focus addressed the growing demand for efficient ticket distribution in the fragmented German entertainment market, where CTS quickly became a key player in handling sales for major music and cultural events during the early . Despite its promising start, CTS faced financial challenges by the mid-1990s, prompting its acquisition on August 30, 1996, by Klaus-Peter Schulenberg through his KPS Computerticket Beteiligungs . Schulenberg, an experienced entrepreneur in the media and sectors, invested in modernizing operations, including early adoption of digital ticketing technologies, which led to the company's first profitable year in 1997. Under his leadership, CTS stabilized and began laying the groundwork for broader growth, maintaining its Munich base while expanding sales offices to cities like Bremen, Berlin, and Hamburg to better serve the national market. By the late 1990s, CTS had initiated its entry into basic live promotion services, complementing its core ticketing business with selective involvement in event organization and artist management. This strategic shift involved forging partnerships with German concert promoters and acquiring minority stakes in production companies, enabling vertical integration that enhanced control over the event lifecycle from promotion to ticket sales. These moves positioned CTS as a more comprehensive player in the live entertainment ecosystem, setting the stage for its public listing in 2000.

Expansion and Key Milestones

CTS Eventim's expansion accelerated following its on the on February 1, 2000, which raised approximately €65 million and provided capital for broader European growth. The IPO listing on the Neuer Markt segment enabled the company to invest in international ticketing and live operations, marking a shift from its domestic focus established since its 1989 founding. Key acquisitions in the 2010s strengthened CTS Eventim's position in ticketing and promotion. In 2010, the company acquired the Ticket Online Group in Germany, enhancing its online ticketing capabilities and integrating See Tickets Germany into its network. In 2016, CTS Eventim increased its stake in FKP Scorpio to a controlling 50.2%, facilitating deeper integration of major festival and concert production assets like Hurricane and Southside. By December 2019, it secured a 71% stake in Austrian promoter Barracuda Music, expanding its live entertainment portfolio in Central Europe and adding high-profile tours and events. The severely disrupted operations starting in early 2020, with event cancellations leading to a 35% revenue drop in the first quarter alone as lockdowns halted live events across . CTS Eventim responded by implementing cost controls, securing government support programs, and pivoting to digital solutions like systems for postponed tickets, which helped preserve during the crisis. Recovery gained momentum in 2021 as restrictions eased, with ticket sales rebounding significantly; by 2024, the company achieved record revenues exceeding €2 billion, surpassing pre-pandemic levels through pent-up demand and normalized event volumes. Post-2020 milestones further propelled international scaling. In September 2021, CTS Eventim entered the North American ticketing market by launching its platform eventim.com, targeting independent promoters and venues as an alternative to dominant players. That same year, it established Eventim Live Asia in July, headquartered in , to promote tours across key markets including , , and . In December 2024, the company acquired an additional 17% stake in French ticketing firm France Billet from , raising its ownership to 65% and solidifying leadership in Europe's second-largest market. By September 2025, CTS Eventim had completed a total of nine acquisitions across seven countries, including , , and the , which collectively bolstered its ticketing infrastructure and live promotion reach. These strategic moves, combined with post-pandemic resilience, positioned the company as Europe's leading live entertainment provider.

Business Segments

Ticketing

CTS Eventim's ticketing division operates in more than 25 countries across , , , and the , serving as the company's primary revenue generator through the sale and distribution of tickets for live events. The division manages a portfolio of regional brands tailored to local markets, including Eventim in and several other European countries, TicketOne in , and See Tickets in the UK and (rebranded as Eventim USA in 2025). The ticketing process encompasses primary sales directly from organizers, promoters, and venues, as well as options for resale, all facilitated through integrated online platforms that connect with systems. These platforms enable seamless ticket issuance, distribution, and validation, supporting a wide range of events from concerts and sports to theater and festivals, with direct partnerships ensuring efficient allocation and fulfillment. Technologically, the division emphasizes user-friendly digital tools, including mobile applications for ticket purchase, storage, and entry via QR codes, as seen in the EVENTIM app available on major platforms. To combat , CTS Eventim deploys features like the EVENTIM.Pass system, which binds tickets to a proprietary app and restricts resale to official channels, piloted on major tours to enhance fan access and security. In 2024, the division sold over 100 million tickets online, reflecting strong digital adoption and market expansion. For the first half of 2025, ticketing revenue reached a record €415.7 million, marking a 16.1% year-over-year increase, driven by higher volumes and the integration of recent acquisitions.

Live Entertainment

CTS Eventim's Live Entertainment segment specializes in the promotion and production of a diverse array of live events, leveraging a network of specialized subsidiaries to deliver concerts, tours, family entertainment, and festivals across and select international markets. This segment plays a pivotal role in the company's operations by curating high-impact experiences that drive audience engagement and revenue growth. Through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, CTS Eventim has built a robust portfolio that emphasizes quality programming and operational excellence in event execution. Key subsidiaries underpinning the segment include Eventim Live , in which CTS Eventim holds a 94.4% stake and which serves as a central hub for coordinating promotions in and beyond. Other notable entities are Holiday on Ice, a 50% focused on ice shows and family-oriented productions; FKP Scorpio, with a 50.2% stake, renowned for organizing major festivals and concert tours; Friends & Partners, 60% owned and a leading Italian promoter of music events; and abc , also 60% held, specializing in Swiss-based concerts and festivals. These subsidiaries enable localized expertise while benefiting from the group's global resources. The event portfolio features a mix of high-profile concerts and artist tours, such as those by international stars, alongside family shows and large-scale festivals like Rock am Ring and Rock im Park. In 2024, promotions included major acts and events that underscored the segment's recovery and expansion post-pandemic, with a focus on diverse genres to attract broad audiences. Production efforts encompass comprehensive tour management, negotiation of artist contracts, and coordination of international touring , ensuring efficient handling of venues, transportation, and technical requirements for seamless global executions. The segment's performance has been instrumental to the group's overall success, generating €1.971 billion in revenue in 2024—a 17.6% year-over-year increase—and €125.6 million in adjusted EBITDA, up 24.4%, driven by surging demand for live experiences following the . This growth highlights the segment's resilience and its integration with ticketing services for optimized event distribution.

Venues

CTS Eventim maintains a portfolio of prominent European , emphasizing ownership, joint ventures, and operational management to host large-scale concerts, sports events, and cultural gatherings. These facilities integrate with the company's ticketing and live services to optimize event delivery and audience experience. Among its key assets is the in , a historic open-air amphitheater constructed in 1936 within the Olympic Park, boasting a capacity of 22,290 spectators. Operated by CTS Eventim since 2009, the venue is renowned for its acoustics and has become a staple for major international tours and festivals. In , the Eventim Apollo stands as another flagship property, an theater originally opened in 1932 with a seated capacity of about 3,600 and up to 5,000 for standing configurations. CTS Eventim has managed the venue since through a with AEG Presents, supporting a diverse array of performances including music concerts and theatrical productions. Looking ahead, CTS Eventim is advancing the Arena Milano project in the Santa Giulia district, designed to be Italy's largest indoor venue with a 16,000 capacity (12,000 seated and 4,000 standing) and an adjacent outdoor area exceeding 10,000 square meters. Scheduled for completion in autumn 2025 and fully owned and operated by the company, this multipurpose arena will cater to concerts, sports, and while incorporating sustainable features like energy-efficient systems. The company's venue management encompasses direct ownership, leasing agreements, and collaborative operations, allowing flexibility in hosting over 300 events annually across its properties while leveraging proprietary ticketing for efficient and sales. This model supports diverse programming, from pop and rock concerts to games and corporate functions. Venue-related revenue stems primarily from facility rentals, operational fees, and synergies with integrated ticketing and promotional activities, forming a core part of the Live Entertainment segment. For the first half of 2025, this business line achieved revenue and adjusted EBITDA levels on par with the robust prior-year figures, driven by high utilization rates exceeding 90% in select arenas. Expansion initiatives through 2025 focus on bolstering European infrastructure, including the Arena Milano and a newly awarded 20,000-capacity multipurpose arena in , secured in November 2024 and planned to open by 2030, to accommodate growing demand for premium live event spaces. These developments aim to add over 30,000 seats regionally in the coming years, enhancing CTS Eventim's operational footprint.

Financial Performance

Revenue and Earnings

In 2024, CTS Eventim achieved record-breaking financial performance, with consolidated reaching €2.809 billion, marking a 19.1% increase year-over-year. This growth was supported by strong demand in both ticketing and live entertainment segments, driven by a robust post-COVID recovery in live events and a surge in online ticket sales. Adjusted EBITDA for the year rose 21.9% to €542.2 million, reflecting improved and higher margins amid increased event volumes. Net profit for 2024 was €318.87 million. For the first half of 2025, the company reported of €1.294 billion, up 7.6% from the prior-year period, continuing the positive despite a more normalized market post-recovery. The ticketing segment contributed €415.7 million to this figure, with a 16.1% year-over-year increase, highlighting its role as a key growth driver through digital platforms and international expansion. Adjusted EBITDA for H1 2025 stood at €200.5 million, a slight decline of 0.8% due to higher costs in live production, though the company reaffirmed its outlook for full-year growth aligned with market trends. Net profit for 2023 totaled €274.64 million, providing a strong baseline for subsequent years, with analysts projecting moderate earnings increases for 2025 at around 14% annually, fueled by sustained event demand and segment synergies. CTS Eventim maintains a shareholder-friendly , proposing a payout of €1.66 per share for the , equivalent to approximately 50% of reported group net profit, underscoring confidence in ongoing profitability. Overall, these trends illustrate the company's resilience, with post-pandemic event normalization and digital channels as primary catalysts for sustained expansion.

Assets and Market Position

As of mid-2025, CTS Eventim's total assets stood at approximately €4.07 billion, marking an increase from €3.19 billion in 2023, reflecting growth in its operational scale through investments in ticketing and live assets. The company's in 2024 showed total debt of €121.30 million and total liabilities of €3.04 billion, indicating a relatively low leverage position with strong to support ongoing expansions in venues and digital platforms. In terms of market valuation, as of November 2025, CTS Eventim had a of approximately €7.74 billion, with its stock price at around €79.00. CTS Eventim holds the position of Europe's leading ticketing firm, processing over 300 million tickets annually, and ranks as the second-largest global concert promoter, competing primarily with industry giants such as and . Ownership is concentrated under its parent company, KPS-Holding GmbH, with major institutional shareholders including Norges Bank at approximately 1.63% stake, alongside other investors like Klaus-Peter Schulenberg holding a significant 38.8% interest, which stabilizes strategic decision-making.

Global Presence

European Operations

CTS Eventim's European operations form the core of its business, with the majority of revenue generated from mature markets across the continent. The company maintains a dominant position in ticketing and live entertainment, operating through established brands and adapting to regional nuances to ensure compliance and market penetration. In 2024, these operations underscored the group's overall revenue of €2.809 billion, highlighting Europe's pivotal role. Germany serves as the primary hub, where CTS Eventim is headquartered in and operates under the Eventim brand, providing ticketing services for a wide array of events including concerts, theater, and sports. This market accounts for approximately 46% of the company's total revenue, benefiting from strong domestic demand and integrated venue management. represents another key market, dominated by the TicketOne platform for online ticketing and the Friends & Partners division for event promotion, enabling seamless access to major cultural and music events. The is a significant foothold, with handling primary and secondary ticketing and the Eventim Apollo serving as a flagship venue in for high-profile performances. To navigate diverse regulatory landscapes, CTS Eventim implements country-specific adaptations, such as adhering to anti-scalping legislation in the UK under the Consumer Rights Act and similar measures in enforced by the Bundeskartellamt to prevent exclusive contracts that could hinder competition. In , compliance with directives ensures transparent pricing and resale controls. These efforts are complemented by localized promotions, including tailored marketing campaigns and partnerships with regional artists and festivals to align with cultural preferences in each market. For instance, promotions in often emphasize family-oriented events, while Italian initiatives focus on and tie-ins. Venue and ticketing integrations enhance operational efficiency in major cities. In , CTS Eventim manages the historic open-air venue, integrating Eventim's ticketing system for up to 22,000 attendees per event. London's Eventim Apollo features dedicated integration for seamless online and sales, hosting international acts. In , the forthcoming Arena Milano, set to open as Italy's largest indoor venue with 16,000 capacity, will incorporate TicketOne's advanced digital ticketing for multifunctional events including sports and concerts. These integrations not only streamline sales but also support data-driven personalization across European operations. In 2024, UK revenue surged 191% year-over-year to €77.68 million, reflecting robust growth in these integrated markets.

International Expansion

CTS Eventim entered the market in 2020 through a strategic partnership with American promoter Michael Cohl to co-produce global tours, marking its initial foray into North American live entertainment. This was followed by the launch of the eventim.com ticketing platform in September 2021, enabling direct sales in the region and generating €50 million in revenue during the first half of 2023 alone. The company's presence strengthened significantly in June 2024 with the €300 million acquisition of from , which included operations focused on ticketing for independent venues and promoters, rebranded as Eventim in March 2025 to integrate into CTS Eventim's global network. In , CTS Eventim launched Eventim Live Asia in July 2021, headquartered in and initially led by former Live Nation executive Jason Miller, who stepped down in , to promote international and local acts across the region. This initiative built on the company's European base to facilitate cross-continental touring, with ongoing expansion in markets like offering new opportunities for artists despite post-pandemic recovery challenges. In the first half of 2025, CTS Eventim reported consolidated revenue of €1.294 billion, up 7.6% year-over-year, reflecting continued momentum in international operations. Beyond these core areas, CTS Eventim maintains operations in through integrated ticketing services acquired via the 2024 See Tickets deal, enhancing its presence in the DACH region. In , the 2019 acquisition of a 71% stake in Barracuda Music provided a foothold in local promotions, complemented by plans for further arena developments, including a 20,000-capacity multipurpose venue in Vienna's St. Marx district, awarded to CTS Eventim in November 2024 for construction and operation starting in 2030. International expansion faces significant challenges, including intense competition from dominant players like Live Nation, which controls larger shares of global touring and ticketing. fluctuations add pressure on profitability in non-euro markets, contributing to macroeconomic volatility amid persistent economic uncertainty. For 2025, CTS Eventim anticipates moderate growth, with analysts projecting around 5% year-over-year revenue increase to €2.98 billion, driven by organic ticketing expansion despite these headwinds. Notable progress in non-core European markets underscores the strategy's potential, as evidenced by Spain's revenue surging 78% year-over-year in 2024 to approximately €66.3 million, fueled by heightened demand for live events.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.