Ticketmaster expands European network with acquisition of Sherpa.be

Ticketmaster has succeeded in expanding its European network by acquiring Belgian ticketing company Sherpa.be.

The Belgian company, founded back in 2000 by Hubert Laterre and Bernard Denys, is set to be incorporated into the current Ticketmaster Belgium team. Latarre will be taking the position of chairman, working alongside managing director Didier Decaestecker.

Formed at the beginning of the year after Ticketmaster had taken a full stake in the Ticketnet platform, Ticketmaster Belgium was the latest in a line of recent acquisitions and launches. It has now seen the company’s European network grow to 13 countries, including the UK, Germany, France and Norway.

Ticketmaster acquired Ticketnet in November 2010, then the second-largest ticket retailer in France, and rebranded the site to Ticketmaster France earlier this year. In 2011, the company acquired a Spanish ticketing platform and turned it into as Ticketmaster Spain. Ticketmaster Austria launched two years later and marked the second German-language market for the company.

Commenting on today’s acquisition of Sherpa.be, president of Ticketmaster International Mark Yovich made a statement saying: “With operations in 13 European countries, this expansion in Belgium is another strategic step for Ticketmaster international as we continue to provide the most innovative products and services in the ticketing industry.”

Latarre added, “Joining the most innovative ticket agent is the ultimate reward of years of work led by a team of dedicated professionals. Thanks to Ticketmaster, we will be able to explore new opportunities. I’m really looking forward to being part of the team as we enter this new phase of the company.”