BCA closes investigation into the acquisition of Pukkelpop by Live Nation following structural commitments by Live Nation
The investigation was opened on 12 November 2025, even though the transaction fell below the Belgian and EU merger control thresholds and did not require notification. The BCA relied on the principles established in the landmark Towercast judgment by the Court of Justice of the European Union to examine whether the acquisition could amount to an abuse of a dominant position, under Article IV.2 of the Code of Economic Law and Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, despite exemption from merger control review.
The case attracted attention because of Live Nation’s extensive presence across the live entertainment value chain in Belgium. The company is active in artist bookings, festival organisation, venue management and ticketing through Ticketmaster. The acquisition of Pukkelpop, one of Belgium’s largest festivals attracting approximately 250,000 visitors annually, raised concerns about increased concentration in the festival market and the wider live entertainment ecosystem.
The BCA’s investigation focused on the potential impact of the transaction on competition in music festival organisation, including possible effects on ticket prices, quality and consumer choice. The authority also assessed whether Live Nation’s position in artist bookings could allow it to restrict competitors’ access to artists or disadvantage rival booking agents. More broadly, the investigation examined the implications of further vertical integration across the Belgian live music sector.
Following the BCA’s preliminary findings, Live Nation proposed commitments aimed at addressing the authority’s concerns. Under the agreed framework, while retaining formal ownership of the festival, Live Nation will transfer the complete operation of Pukkelpop and all related assets to an organisation controlled by the festival founder, Chokri Mahassine, who oversees Pukkelpop’s artistic, commercial and other decisions relating to the festival’s organisation. The commitments are entered into for 10 years, with a possible five-year extension, and compliance will be monitored by an independent trustee.
By accepting these commitments, the BCA concluded that its preliminary competition concerns had been adequately addressed and closed the proceedings without finding any infringement.
The decision nevertheless is a sign of the BCA’s keen interest in applying competition law to below-threshold transactions in Belgium and illustrates the growing significance of the Towercast doctrine in sectors with strong ecosystems and vertical integration.
