KKR to acquire minority stake in BookMyShow, the company behind Coldplay and Ed Sheeran’s India concerts
KKR has agreed to acquire a minority stake in BookMyShow, India's ticketing and live entertainment company behind concerts by Coldplay, Ed Sheeran and other major international artists. The deal, signed on 19 August 2026, extends the US investment firm's growing footprint in the global live entertainment and music sector, and comes as BookMyShow's live division continues to expand across India's out-of-home entertainment market.
Financial terms of the investment were not disclosed, and the deal remains subject to regulatory approval. Founded in 2007 and owned by Bigtree Entertainment, BookMyShow operates in more than 700 towns and cities across India, with a ticketing platform spanning over 7,000 cinema screens; its live arm, BookMyShow Live, has staged tours by Travis Scott, Guns N' Roses, Post Malone and U2, alongside events including Lollapalooza India and the NBA's first games in the country. KKR's other recent entertainment investments include the €1.4 billion (roughly $1.4 billion) acquisition of festivals company Superstruct in 2024 and the earlier $1.1 billion Chord Music Partners rights deal with Kobalt.
- KKR to buy minority stake in India's BookMyShow, deal terms undisclosed
- BookMyShow hosted Coldplay, Ed Sheeran and other major India tours
- Adds to KKR's growing live entertainment and music portfolio
New here? Start with this
BookMyShow is an Indian company that sells tickets for films and live events. Founded in 2007 and owned by Bigtree Entertainment, it operates across more than 700 towns and cities, with a live events arm called BookMyShow Live.
Its events include concerts by international artists as well as festivals and sporting events. KKR is a US investment firm that invests in companies across different industries, including entertainment and music.
A minority stake means KKR would own part of BookMyShow without taking full ownership. The investment links the firm to a company active in India’s growing live entertainment market; the reported deal’s financial terms have not been disclosed.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Foreign investment brings essential capital and proven expertise to India's live entertainment sector. KKR's track record with major entertainment companies demonstrates how international investment can help scale operations, attract world-class touring talent, and provide better experiences for Indian audiences—all whilst creating local employment and economic opportunity.
The case against
When foreign capital controls India's entertainment infrastructure, strategic decisions about cultural offerings and pricing move outside the country, along with profits. This weakens the development of Indian-owned companies and creates dependence on external investors for decisions that fundamentally shape which artists, events and experiences reach Indian audiences.