AEG Facilities and SMG complete merger to become ASM Global

October 1, 2019

US-based AEG Facilities and Onex-owned SMG have completed their merger to create a new, standalone global facility management and venue services company, ASM Global.

First announced in February, the even-split merger of AEG Facilities, owned by Anschutz Entertainment Group, and SMG, a portfolio company of private equity firm Onex, was previously cleared by both the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority and the US Department of Justice, allowing today’s completion of the business combination.

Headquartered in the USA in Los Angeles, California and with key operational offices near the eastern US city of Philadelphia, as well as in London and Manchester in the UK and the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo, the new entity will be led by former AEG Facilities President Bob Newman, who has been named President and Chief Executive of the new company.

Its Asia-Pacific affiliate, ASM Global (Asia Pacific), the former AEG Ogden, is based in Brisbane.

The merged business operates a diversified portfolio of arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centres, performing arts centres, theatres and other venues with more than 300 facilities across five continents.

SMG’s former Chief Executive Wes Westley will be working to ensure a “seamless integration” of the two properties.

Newman, who earlier in his career spent more than 20 years at SMG, stated “this marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our industry and one that will establish a new standard of excellence in managing live experiences.

“Bringing together the combined global expertise of each company with the best content and cutting-edge technologies, we will be able to realize the full potential of the world’s greatest spaces, places and events, create amazing experiences for guests, offer exciting new opportunities to employees and deliver the highest value for all stakeholders.”

He went on to state “equally important, our deep bench of talent and shared resources will enable ASM to accelerate innovation and capitalise on the growing market opportunities.”

Westley added "I am very proud to have had the opportunity to lead such an incredible organization as SMG. We have a long history of working closely with our public and private partners and are confident in our ability to continue to meet and exceed their expectations. ASM’s focus moving forward will be on providing added value and best-in-class services to its customers. We are well-prepared for a seamless integration process.”

The merger will see ASM Global’s 61,000 employees around the world deliver locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to deliver maximum results for venue owners, and operations, and amazing experiences for guests.

For more information go to www.asmglobal.com

1st October 2019 - AEG takes full control of AXS ticketing platform

23rd September 2019 - AEG Ogden’s Harvey Lister expresses frustrations at delays with Brisbane Live precinct

17th September 2019 - AEG Presents announces Singapore relocation and new Senior Vice President appointment

16th September 2019 - Facility manager AEG Ogden transitions to ASM Global (Asia Pacific) brand

16th September 2019 - Harvey Lister open to partnership to build new Gold Coast entertainment arena

12th September 2019 - UK Competition Authority clears planned merger between AEG Facilities and SMG

10th September 2019 - Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena becomes a significant venue on the global events circuit

21st August 2019 - ICC Sydney and partners showcase First State Super Theatre

12th August 2019 - Te Pae Christchurch announces executive team

26th April 2019 - Darren Burden named SMG’s Project Executive Director for Hong Kong Kai Tak Sports Park project

23rd April 2019 - AEG Ogden appoints new General Manager for the Darwin Convention Centre

11th April 2019 - AEG Ogden welcomes Gudinski and Chugg to its global family

11th February 2019 - AEG Ogden Chairman Harvey Lister excited at being part of new ASM Global venues business

8th February 2019 - AEG Facilities and SMG announce merger to create global venue management giant

16th July 2018 - Australasian venues strong performers in Pollstar’s Mid-Year concert rankings

5th November 2009 - Spotless and SMG Unite in Bid to manage Perth Arena

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.