Ari Emanuel’s Mari Acquires ATG Entertainment, Theater Owner Behind ‘Wicked’ and ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ Productions
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- Mari has agreed to acquire ATG Entertainment from Providence Equity Partners in a deal the Wall Street Journal reports is worth $6 billion, subject to regulatory approval with both companies to operate independently until then.
- ATG Entertainment runs 70 venues across the U.K., U.S., Germany, and Spain — including 10 on London's West End and 7 on Broadway — and welcomes over 18 million theatergoers annually, with its business also spanning production and ticketing.
- ATG's theaters have hosted landmark productions including "Wicked," "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," and "The Lion King," according to the announcement.
- Melanie Smith, ATG's global CEO, will remain in her role as the company retains its existing brand, leadership, and commitment to creative independence under Mari.
- Ari Emanuel founded Mari in fall 2025 and also serves as CEO of TKO Group (parent of WWE and UFC) and executive chairman of WME Group.
- Mari's existing portfolio spans Frieze, Barrett-Jackson, the Miami Open, the Mutua Madrid Open, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, and the Hampton Court Palace and Blenheim Palace Festivals, with plans to invest in ATG theater preservation and modernization.
Why it matters: Emanuel — already running WME (talent), TKO (WWE/UFC spectacle), and a portfolio of fairs and festivals — now controls 70 physical theater venues hosting more than 18 million patrons a year, giving one operator simultaneous reach across talent representation, live combat sports, and the world's largest theatrical real estate.
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