Australia’s largest venue operator AEG Ogden rebrands as ASM Global

Australia’s largest venue operator AEG Ogden is now known as ASM Global.

It’s part of a global joint venture between AEG Facilities, the venue management arm of Anschutz Entertainment Group, and SMG, a portfolio company of Onex and its affiliated funds.

The venture, first announced in February, was finalised overnight.

ASM Global, which is headquartered in Los Angeles, operates a diversified portfolio of more than 300 facilities across five continents, including arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centres, performing arts centres, theatres and other venues.

In Australia, where it is based in Brisbane under Harvey Lister, its venues include Qudos Bank Arena, ANZ Stadium, Bankstown Stadium and ICC Sydney Theatre in Sydney, Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium and Entertainment Centre, Newcastle Entertainment Centre and Perth’s RAC Arena and Optus Stadium, among others.

The company also has corporate offices in London, Manchester and Sao Paulo.

Bob Newman, president and CEO of ASM, says, “This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our industry and one that will establish a new standard of excellence in managing live experiences.

“Bringing together the combined global expertise of each company with the best content and cutting-edge technologies, we will be able to realize the full potential of the world’s greatest spaces, places and events, create amazing experiences for guests, offer exciting new opportunities to employees and deliver the highest value for all stakeholders.

“Equally important, our deep bench of talent and shared resources will enable ASM to accelerate innovation and capitalize on the growing market opportunities.”

Live Nation, the world’s largest promoter tried to buy SMG in 2017. AEG, the second-largest promoter, opted for a joint venture.