Ari Emanuel's Mari Group Acquires ATG Entertainment in $4.5 Billion Deal

American media tycoon Ari Emanuel, through his firm Mari Group, has agreed to purchase ATG Entertainment in a $4.5 billion deal that encompasses significant theatre holdings in London's West End and New York's Broadway.

Mari Group, founded by Emanuel last year, is acquiring ATG Entertainment from private equity firm Providence, which has owned the company since 2013. ATG Entertainment manages ten venues in London's West End, including the Lyceum Theatre and the Savoy Theatre. The company also operates regional theatres across the United Kingdom and holds seven venues on Broadway.

Emanuel, also the executive chairman of talent agency WME Group, stated that the acquisition reflects Mari Group's "conviction in the growing power of live experience and the passionate audiences it brings together." He emphasized a long-term commitment to live entertainment, noting its ability to connect talent with audiences directly. "I've spent my whole career in entertainment, and I started out in theatre," Emanuel said. "I’ve seen the industry reinvent itself many times, but live has only grown more powerful. Nothing connects great talent with audiences more directly."

Mari Group's existing portfolio includes ventures such as Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, the Hampton Court Palace and Blenheim Palace Festivals, and major tennis tournaments like the Madrid and Miami Opens. Last year, Mari Group also acquired TodayTix, the parent company of Secret Cinema.

Melanie Smith, global chief executive of ATG, expressed confidence in Mari Group as the new owner, stating, "Mari understands live entertainment and what matters most to ATG: our theatres, the people behind them and the relationships we have built with producers, artists and audiences."

She added, "That makes Mari the right home for our next chapter. We look forward to this new era and thank Providence for their unwavering support over the past thirteen years."