Live Nation faces jury award, plans post-trial motions
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) announced it will pursue post-trial motions following a jury verdict that awarded $1.72 per ticket in damages, according to a company statement.
The company said it plans to renew its motion for judgment as a matter of law, which addresses all liability theories. The court had previously deferred ruling on this motion until after the jury returned its verdict, noting that Live Nation's motion raises serious issues.
A separate motion to strike damages testimony remains pending. Live Nation stated the court expressed significant concerns with the damages expert's analysis when deferring this motion.
The jury award applies to tickets sold at 257 venues, representing approximately 20% of total tickets, and covers purchases by consumers excluding brokers in certain states over the past five years. Live Nation estimates the aggregate single damages figure would be below $150 million, which would be subject to trebling.
The company has already accrued $280 million toward state damages and civil penalty claims in connection with a Department of Justice settlement. Injunctive relief will be determined by the court after states submit remedy proposals in the coming weeks.
Live Nation said it remains confident the ultimate outcome will not differ materially from what is envisioned in the DOJ settlement. The company indicated it will appeal any unfavorable rulings on the pending motions.
The Tunney Act proceedings regarding the DOJ settlement will continue during this process, according to the statement.
