The Portuguese Competition Authority (AdC) has approved the merger involving Live Nation Entertainment Inc. (LNE) acquiring an indirect controlling interest in Ritmos & Blues Produções, Lda. (R&B) and Arena Atlântico – Gestão de Recintos Multiusos, S.A. (Arena Atlântico) and their subsidiaries. This decision was made possible after LNE proposed commitments to address competition concerns identified by the AdC during its investigation.

LNE, a US-based company, operates in the live music entertainment industry globally and in Portugal through subsidiaries like Better World Comunicação, Publicidade e Entretenimento S.A. R&B is a Portuguese company focused on promoting live events, while Arena Atlântico manages the MEO Arena in Lisbon and is a shareholder of Blueticket, a ticketing services provider.

The AdC's investigation found that the merger could restrict competition in the live event promotion and ticketing services markets. Concerns included access to sensitive information, foreclosure strategies, and restrictions on artists' access to competitors.

To address these concerns, LNE proposed commitments such as ensuring fair access to MEO Arena, price freezes, limits on Arena use, and protection of competitors' information. The AdC deemed these commitments appropriate and enforceable to mitigate competition issues.