Friday, 7 August 2026
PPF Group has entered into a strategic partnership with global live entertainment company Live Nation to jointly operate three of Prague’s leading event venues: O2 arena, O2 universum and Forum Karlín.
The new joint venture is intended to expand the range of concerts, entertainment events and conferences held in the Czech Republic while strengthening Prague’s position as a destination for international live events. The transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals.
Under the agreement, PPF will retain ownership of O2 arena, O2 universum and the associated real estate through its subsidiary Bestsport, while the newly established joint venture will assume responsibility for the day-to-day operation, event programming and venue management. Live Nation will hold a 51% stake in the joint venture, with Bestsport owning the remaining 49%.
The existing management teams at the venues will continue to provide operational and production support for artists, promoters and event organisers.
The partnership combines PPF’s ownership of major entertainment venues and local market experience with Live Nation’s international network and expertise in promoting concerts and live events. According to the companies, the cooperation is expected to increase both the number of events hosted in Prague and the presence of internationally recognised performers.
Forum Karlín has also been included in the partnership, enabling the joint venture to offer venues of different capacities suitable for a broader range of concerts, cultural events and conferences.
Despite the operational changes, O2 arena, O2 universum and Forum Karlín will continue to operate under their existing brands, with the O2 venues retaining their current naming.
For PPF, the agreement forms part of its broader strategy of developing the long-term value of its assets through partnerships with international industry leaders. The companies said the cooperation aims to enhance the Czech Republic’s profile in the global live entertainment market while increasing the commercial potential of its leading concert and multifunctional venues.
