Eventbrite acquires European platform Ticketscript
US-based ticketing and event technology platform Eventbrite has acquired Ticketscript, one of Europe’s largest self-service ticketing providers.
The deal will position Eventbrite as the third largest ticketing platform in Europe. The two companies combined to process more than 35 million tickets in Europe in 2016 and over 150 million in 2016 globally.
The combined total of European ticket sales in 2016 for both Eventbrite and Ticketscript reached over €500 million (AU$830 million). Following the acquisition, 23% of Eventbrite’s global employees will be situated in Europe.
Eventbrite powers over two million events each year with a clientship consisting of Bits & Pretzels, WOMAD, Tough Mudder, Tribeca Film Festival, Maker Faire, 2000trees and Iceland’s Secret Solstice festivals, as well as non-music clients such as the European PGA Tour. Since inception, Eventbrite has processed over $5 billion in gross ticket sales.
Founded in 2006, Eventbrite has 11 offices in eight countries, including Australia. The company opened its first international presence in London in 2011, with other European operations in Ireland, Germany, and most recently the Netherlands.
In Australia, Eventbrite’s presence has been increasing since it launched operations in the country in 2014. Headed up locally by Phil Silverstone, the company’s innovative and technology-driven platform and localised approach has lead to the tripling of its team and has seen it become the preferred agency for numerous national events.
Ticketscript operates in five European nations (UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Belgium) and is based in Amsterdam. It’s clients include UK’s Deer Shed Festival and Ibiza’s Club Amnesia.
Frans Jonker, CEO of Ticketscript, who will join Eventbrite as GM for continental Europe, said: “We have been building significant market presence in Europe for ten years, with a focus on self-service ticketing for music events. We share Eventbrite’s passion for allowing event organisers to control their event marketing and ticketing, whilst retaining their end customer data.
“Joining forces with Eventbrite, the global innovation leader in event technology, will no doubt help further accelerate the digital transformation of the European live experience industry.”
Julia Hartz, CEO of Eventbrite, was equally as thrilled with the opportunity that the acquisition brings to increase Eventbrite’s stature and presence in the European market.
“This acquisition supercharges Eventbrite’s footprint in Europe and brings ten additional years of traction in the music space and experience in European markets to our business.”
She added: “It perfectly aligns with our strategic vision to become the world’s leading marketplace for live experiences, and adds significant assets and technical power to our platform. We are looking forward to this new partnership combining the best solutions from both companies, and bringing them to our customers around the world.”
The financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.