Showbiz purchased by Tix.com.au

Just shy of two months after Showbiz was placed into voluntary administration, the premium ticketing company has announced its return.

Tix.com.au, the ticketing deal business which incorporates Firsttix, Lasttix, and the upcoming Movietix and Fasttix, has bought the Showbiz brand and certain database assets.

Sheila Moloney, Tix.com.au General Manager Australia and New Zealand told TMN: “We’re really excited about the purchase of the Showbiz database and trademarks. The brand will allow us to close the gap in our product suite by offering a new, high yield, VIP channel for premium seats and packages.”

Former Showbiz CEO Craig McMaster has handed over the reins to Tix.com.au’s founders; he told TMN this afternoon he is not involved nor party to the transaction.

“I understand that TIX have acquired the Showbiz brand and certain assets from the Administrators,” he told TMN. “As we were unable to restructure our previous business in a way that enabled its recovery, unfortunately that iteration of Showbiz will not be trading again. I am pleased however, that a great brand like Showbiz will live on and wish the new owners every success.”

When Showbiz went into administration on April 3, McMaster told TMN it was a difficult time for the company as they worked with Administrators to explore restructuring options. The Showbiz Twitter page was removed and the site contained a short statement regarding the administration last month, but now the site points to TIX.com.au.

Tix.com.au are working to develop a new version of the Showbiz website which will launch mid-July.

Tix.com.au currently has over 700,000 members who have access to ticket packages and deals across all entertainment genres.