Ari Emanuel in talks to buy ATG for $6B: FT

Ari Emanuel’s Mari Group is in advanced talks to acquire British theater operator ATG Entertainment for approximately £4.5 billion ($5.94 billion), according to reports from the Financial Times, citing four individuals familiar with the discussions. The U.S.-based private equity firm Providence, which currently owns ATG, is in exclusive negotiations with Mari Group, with hopes of finalizing the deal within the next month. However, the timeline remains uncertain, and no agreement has been confirmed.

Emanuel, who also serves as CEO of TKO Group Holdings Inc—the parent company of the Ultimate Fighting Championship—has expanded Mari Group’s portfolio through acquisitions in live events and ticketing. ATG Entertainment, formerly known as Ambassador Theatre Group, operates over 64 venues across the UK, U.S., and Germany, and has been preparing for a potential sale since earlier this year.

The proposed acquisition reflects growing investor interest in the entertainment sector following pandemic-related disruptions. A successful deal could signal a broader recovery for the live theater industry. Neither Mari Group, Providence, nor ATG has commented on the potential transaction.