Live Nation has agreed to acquire a majority stake in three Prague live entertainment venues from private investment company PPF Group.

The deal covers O2 arena (cap. 20,000), O2 Universum (cap. 5,000),and Forum Karlín (cap. 4,000).

Live Nation said the partnership will support investment in the venues, with plans to upgrade facilities and improve provision for artists, audiences and event organisers.

The venues will remain open to artists, promoters and event organisers, while their existing management teams will remain in place.

Live Nation said the agreement follows its investment and expansion across Central and Eastern Europe, including the development of local teams and operations in Romania and Slovakia.

The company said demand for international tours has also increased across the region. Iron Maiden’s recent shows in Athens, Sofia, Bucharest and Bratislava attracted some of the band’s largest audiences, while Eric Clapton sold out shows in Prague, Kraków and Budapest.

Live Nation EMEA president Paul Antonio said, “Prague has been one of our most important markets for many years. We’ve invested here by building a strong local team, developing long-term partnerships and bringing major artists and tours to Czech fans. This partnership is the natural next step.

“Our ambition is simple: build on what’s already working, keep improving the venues and bring even more great artists to Prague, while making the experience better for fans.”