Live Nation has agreed a deal to acquire leading Italian venue operator ForumNet Group from Bastogi.
Live Nation said the move underscores its commitment to investing in Italy’s vibrant live entertainment scene and that Milan’s Unipol Forum is at the heart of the acquisition.
Unipol Forum is a renowned live music and sports arena that has welcomed two million fans annually since opening in 1990.
It has hosted global superstars and Italian icons, including Vasco, Cremonini, Tiziano Ferro and Marco Mengoni, alike.
Beyond music, Unipol Forum is home to the Armani Olimpia Milano basketball team and will stage figure and short track speed skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The Unipol Forum is an indoor sports arena that is located in Assago, a small town 3km outside Milan, Italy. The arena has a seating capacity of 15,800 and is primarily used for basketball, ice hockey, tennis, and live concerts.
ForumNet Group was founded in 1990 and over the years it has emerged as the market leader in Italy in the organisation of live shows and in the management of multipurpose venues for music, shows and sport.
Live Nation plans significant investment in Unipol Forum to enhance the fan experience, upgrade artist and production facilities, and introduce sustainability improvements to reduce carbon emissions.
These upgrades will build on the venue’s Olympic legacy and ensure it remains a long-term home for world-class entertainment and elite sports. The deal also includes Teatro Repower and the management of open-air venue Carroponte.
Roberto de Luca, President, Live Nation Italy, said: “We’re proud to welcome these historic Milan venues to Live Nation and invest in their future. The Forum has hosted some of the greatest Italian and international artists and we look forward to creating even more opportunities for artists and fans.
“The ForumNet venues will continue under an independent management team, maintaining longstanding relationships with all partners and promoters.”
Marco Cabassi, President, Bastogi Group, commented: “These venues have been at the heart of Milan’s cultural life for decades. Partnering with Live Nation ensures they will continue to thrive, welcoming fans and artists from both Italy and around the world for years to come.”
Together, these venues play a major role in Italy’s live entertainment sector which generated €4.5 billion nationally in 2024.
The existing ForumNet team will continue to operate the venues and welcome all event organisers. Live Nation will continue to promote shows across all Italian venues.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to complete in April 2026.
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