Onyx takes over at SMG

Toronto-based private equity company Onex has acquired US-based venue operator SMG, which was recently put up for sale by its current owners, investment fund Northlane Capital Partners. Live giant Live Nation had been linked to a possible SMG bid. With SMG owning and/or managing a significant network of venues around the world - including arenas in Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle and Belfast - that deal would have provided a big boost to the venues side of Live Nation's business.