Integrated event group GL events has said it has received approval from the French competition authority to proceed with the acquisition of event venues operated by French holding company Fimalac via S-Pass Theatres Spectacles Événements.
After examining the transaction, the authority cleared the acquisition subject to conditions. To address the risks, GL events has entered into behavioural remedies concerning the Marne département, in order to prevent the group from leveraging its market power to the detriment of public authorities and event and conference organisers.
The deal includes all 25 regional venues, as well as Salle Pleyel, a concert hall in Paris. The acquisition strengthens the group’s network of sites and regional presence.
GL events group chairman-CEO Olivier Ginon said: “The approval from the competition authority will enable us to complete this transaction swiftly, which represents a major milestone in GL events’ development and in the structuring of the French cultural sector and the enhancement of the offering for the MICE market. It is based on an ambitious industrial vision, serving regional attractiveness and the influence of live entertainment. This acquisition is fully aligned with our strategy to strengthen our positioning in venue operations in France. I thank the Ladreit de Lacharrière family for their trust and the constructive discussions we have had since the inception of this transaction.”
Following this transaction, Fimalac acquires a 1% state in GL events’ share capital. The transaction is expected to close from 16 April 2026.
