Ambassador Theatre Group Acquires Ticket Machine Group

The Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd (ATG) today confirms that it has completed the purchase of theatre ticketing agency, The Ticket Machine Group Ltd (TMG).

As a leader in theatre ticketing services through ATG Tickets - issuing more than 10m tickets annually - ATG's acquisition of The Ticket Machine Group will increase the ability of both companies to market and sell tickets for great shows to theatre goers.

The Ticket Machine Group and its ticketing brands will continue to operate as before, under their own names.

Simon Warwick will also remain in his role of CEO for The Ticket Machine Group.

Founded in 1991, The Ticket Machine Group has become one of the most highly respected ticket agencies in the UK and owns famous ticketing brands such as LOVETheatre, Group Line, Show Pairs, and Lashmars.

TMG CEO and co-owner, Simon Warwick said, "This is an outstanding opportunity for The Ticket Machine Group. With ATG's huge strengths across the U.K. and its global reach, our ticketing brands, such as LOVEtheatre.com and Group Line, will have an unrivalled platform from which to grow. Our customers will immediately enjoy a unique theatrical product range, both in London's West End and throughout the regions. We are extremely excited about ATG's future plans for The Ticket Machine Group."

TMG's co-owner, independent theatre Producer, Edward Snape, commented, "The sale of TMG to ATG will give Producers added strength in the commercial ticketing process and will enhance the online, box office, and group sales capabilities of both companies generating greater ticket sales for Producers. They will have access to the largest and most active theatregoing database anywhere in the world, supported by a ticketing team well respected for its proactive approach to sales and marketing innovation. It is a win, win scenario for all concerned."

Helen Enright, ATG's Chief Financial Officer & Commercial Director, said, "We've wanted to develop ATG Tickets for some time and The Ticket Machine Group seemed like the perfect match for our planned business growth. With strong business performance for more than 20 years, the acquisition of The Ticket Machine Group will be a crucial catalyst in the expansion of both companies. We look forward to working collaboratively with The Ticket Machine Group in developing and growing audiences and increasing sales."

www.atgtickets.com is the UK's most visited theatre website with 120 million page views and 20 million unique visits per annum. ATG also boasts the UK's largest theatre membership scheme, ATG TheatreCard, with over 100,000 members.

Terms of the sale were not disclosed.

This latest development comes just weeks after ATG announced that an agreement had been reached for global private equity firm Providence Equity Partners to become a major shareholder in the company.