Live Nation expands presence in Latin America via acquisition of Dominican Republic promoter SD Concerts

Live Nation is expanding its presence in Latin America via the acquisition of SD Concerts, a live entertainment company in the Dominican Republic.

Founded in 2001, SD Concerts is behind many of the region’s most prominent live events, promoting Latin and international talent across the Dominican Republic, as well as supporting shows in Aruba, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, and Puerto Rico.

Saymon Diaz, Founder & CEO of SD Concerts, will continue to lead the business.

SD Concerts also operates a ticketing platform, which currently services all SD events and provides a foundation for future ticketing expansion in the region.

Through the acquisition, that platform will become part of Live Nation’s Ticketmaster ecosystem.

Live Nation said on Thursday (May 29) that the concert industry is seeing continued momentum across Latin America, with the company seeing fan attendance in the region up over 25% in the first quarter of 2025.

The company added that “growing demand for live experiences is supported by the global rise of non-English language artists”, who, according to Live Nation, now represent twice as many of its top 50 tours compared to 2019.

Live Nation also recently expanded in South America with plans to begin operating the 15,000-seat Arena Cañaveralejo through its partners OCESA, a Mexico-headquartered concert promoter, and Colombian concert promoter Grupo Páramo.

Live Nation acquired a 51% stake in OCESA in 2021 for USD $416 million, and it took a majority stake in Páramo in 2023.

Elsewhere in the world, Live Nation recently acquired Hayashi International Promotions (HIP), a Japan-focused live music promoter of both domestic and international artists.

Michael Rapino Live Nation
Credit: Live Nation/press

“We’re joining forces with a proven regional leader to help even more Latin artists reach global audiences and connect international acts with fans across Latin America.”

Michael Rapino, Live Nation

Michael Rapino, CEO & President, Live Nation Entertainment, said: “Saymon and SD Concerts have built a remarkable business rooted in deep local knowledge and a passion for live music.

“We’re joining forces with a proven regional leader to help even more Latin artists reach global audiences and connect international acts with fans across Latin America.”

“Live music is thriving across the region, and we’re proud of the role SD Concerts has played in that growth.”

Saymon Diaz, SD Concerts

Saymon Diaz, Founder & CEO of SD Concerts, who will continue to lead the business, added: “Live music is thriving across the region, and we’re proud of the role SD Concerts has played in that growth.

“Partnering with Live Nation gives us the global infrastructure to scale even further and supports the next generation of Latin talent. This partnership will bring bigger shows to more locations and create even more unforgettable live music experiences for fans in the Dominican Republic and across Latin America.”Music Business Worldwide