The Competition Commission (CC) has ruled that two of London’s most renowned live music venues will have to be sold if Live Nation acquires Academy Music Holdings.

Los Angeles-based Live Nation already owns the Hammersmith Apollo and co-owns Hamsard – which in turn owns Mean Fiddler, operator of the Forum in Kentish Town and the Astoria on Charing Cross Road – while Academy owns the Shepherds Bush Empire and Brixton Academy.

Consequently, if the acquisition goes ahead, the enlarged company would have to sell either the Brixton Academy or the Hammersmith Apollo as well as the Shepherds Bush Empire or the Forum.

Live Nation will not be allowed to acquire Academy unless there is a binding sale/purchase commitment for the venues in question, which must be with a buyer that the CC deems to be suitable. Details: www.competition-commission.org.uk