Simpson Thacher, Skadden and Sullivan & Cromwell Advise on Eventbrite Sale to Bending Spoons

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP represented Bending Spoons, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP represented Eventbrite, and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP acted as personal counsel to Eventbrite co-founder and CEO Julia Hartz. Eventbrite has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Italian acquirer Bending Spoons in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately USD 500 million. The transaction, which carries a cash consideration of 4.50 USD per share—equivalent to an 82% premium versus the 60-day volume-weighted average price—is subject to customary regulatory approvals and the approval of Eventbrite shareholders. Completion is expected in the first half of 2026, and the acquisition will result in Eventbrite becoming a privately held company and being delisted from public markets. Bending Spoons has framed the acquisition as a further step in its international expansion, following recent major moves including an announced agreement for AOL and the completed USD 1.38 billion acquisition of Vimeo. The market is following closely for potential technological and strategic integrations. Bending Spoons CEO and co-founder Luca Ferrari said the combination will accelerate innovation at Eventbrite, strengthen its tools and resources for live experiences, and highlighted plans the acquirer wishes to explore post-closing, including a dedicated messaging feature, AI-assisted event creation, improved searchability, and a secondary ticket marketplace. Bending Spoons and Eventbrite intend to invest in Eventbrite for the long term. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP represented Eventbrite with a team composed by: senior partners and associates from its corporate, M&A and regulatory practices who advised on deal structuring, negotiation of the merger agreement, corporate governance matters related to the transition from public to private status, and cross-border regulatory considerations. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP represented Bending Spoons with a team composed by: senior partners and associates focused on due diligence, deal setup and negotiation of the economic and contractual terms of the acquisition, including counsel on the significant per-share premium offered to Eventbrite shareholders. Sullivan & Cromwell LLP represented Julia Hartz, co-founder and CEO of Eventbrite, with a team composed by: senior counsel advising on governance matters and the personal legal implications of the acquisition.

Simpson Thacher, Skadden and Sullivan & Cromwell Advise on Eventbrite Sale to Bending Spoons

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