STADOMEVAInitiated by Jacky Lorenzetti, the president of the Racing Métro 92 rugby club, the Arena project in Nanterre-La Défense will gain stronger backing when Fimalac acquires a stake in Stadôme, the company that will operate the new entertainment venue.
Arena's project will include a multi-purpose entertainment complex, offices and a shopping centre with numerous restaurants and bars, including a gourmet restaurant.
In addition to Racing-Métro 92 rugby matches, the entertainment complex will host a wide array of live entertainment. The venue, which is ideally located just outside Paris, will offer nearly 40,000 seats in entertainment configuration and 32,000 for rugby matches when it opens in late 2014. It could also host corporate and other events.
The acquisition of an interest in Stadôme reflects Fimalac's sustained commitment to investing in the management and operation of entertainment venues in France. Today, Fimalac is the country's leading independent entertainment venue operator, through its Vega subsidiary, and owns a 40% stake in Groupe Lucien Barrière, which is also active in show distribution. It is also present in entertainment production through its investments in Gilbert Coullier Productions and Auguri Productions, which organise shows for some of France's most prestigious artists.
In addition to operating the entertainment complex, Stadôme will be exclusively responsible for managing Racing-Métro 92's marketing, logistics and organisational operations.
Under a memorandum of understanding to be signed between Stadôme shareholders and Fimalac before September 2011, Stadôme's outstanding shares will be 51% owned by Ovalto Investissement (Jacky Lorenzetti's holding company), 24.5% by Fimalac and 24.5% by Stadôme's managing director and co-founder, Pascal Simonin, former managing director of Stade de France.
Jacky Lorenzetti said: "I am particularly satisfied with this forthcoming partnership. By partnering with Fimalac, we will strengthen our future position in the entertainment production market, thereby guaranteeing a steady flow of shows and events for the future Arena in Nanterre-La Défense. We are delighted at the prospect of seeing performances by the world's greatest artists alternate with Racing-Métro 92 rugby matches in what will be one of Europe's most modern multi-purpose entertainment arenas."
For Marc Ladreit de Lacharrière, "Fimalac already enjoys a strong presence in both show promotion and distribution, in particular with its partner Gilbert Coullier. Today, it is extending its investments through a wide-reaching transaction that will position it at the forefront of the French entertainment industry."
Paris - 4 July 2011