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Ari Emanuel's new events business expands into theater ticketing
Yahoo Finance· 2025-10-20 19:21
Core Insights - Ari Emanuel's company Mari has acquired TodayTix Group, a theater ticketing company, from Great Hill Partners, marking a strategic move into the Broadway market [1][3] - TodayTix Group, founded in 2013, has partnerships with over 10,000 theaters and cultural institutions, boasting more than 20 million members across the U.S., U.K., and Australia [2] - The acquisition aims to enhance Mari's portfolio by integrating technology and providing a direct connection to audiences, positioning Mari as a global leader in live experiences [3][6] Company Overview - Mari is a newly launched event and experiences company based in Beverly Hills, co-founded by Ari Emanuel, who is also known for co-founding Endeavor [3][4] - The company has backing from notable investors, including private equity firms Apollo and RedBird Capital Partners, and the Qatar Investment Authority [5] - Mari has previously acquired businesses from Endeavor, such as the contemporary art organization Frieze and the Miami Open tennis tournament [6] Leadership and Management - Ari Emanuel serves as the founder, chief executive, and executive chairman of Mari, while Mark Shapiro is a principal investor and board member [4][5] - Brian Fenty, co-founder and CEO of TodayTix Group, will continue in his role following the acquisition [6]
Netflix Is Launching a New Adventure That Is Not on the Small Screen
Bloomberg Television· 2025-06-22 14:07
Industry Overview & Growth - The themed entertainment industry is valued at an estimated $76 billion and is projected to exceed $120 billion by 2033 [1] - Key players include Disney, Universal, Merlin Entertainment, and Chime Long Group, with Disney generating $34 billion in revenue alone [1][2] Competitive Landscape & IP - Disney's acquisition of Marvel IP faces usage restrictions at Universal Studios Orlando [3][4] - Other entertainment companies, like Netflix, are entering the themed entertainment space, leveraging their popular IP [4][5] - Universal engages in IP reviews every 2 to 3 years to assess its properties and the media landscape [26] Netflix's Expansion into Live Experiences - Netflix is expanding beyond streaming with live experiences, including permanent themed entertainment centers called Netflix House [5][6][7] - Netflix House locations are planned for King of Prussia mall, Galleria in Dallas, and Las Vegas in 2027 [7] - Netflix House will feature attractions like "Replay" (arcade), "Netflix Bites" (restaurant and bar), retail stores, theaters, and mini-golf based on Netflix shows [8][9] - In 2024, Netflix surpassed 300 million paying memberships, grew revenue by 16%, and its operating income exceeded $10 billion [10] - Netflix has created over 400 experiences in 300+ cities in the past five years [10] Theme Park Strategies & Challenges - Theme parks rely on repeat visitation driven by capital expenditure (CapEx) on new rides and attractions [27] - Some parks historically focused on thrill rides, potentially alienating broader family demographics [15][16] - Successful theme parks often start organically and reinvest continuously in the business [24][25] - Experience review is crucial for improving the park experience, addressing issues like long lines and distances between attractions [26][27]