AEG Facilities and SMG complete merger to become ASM Global

US-based AEG Facilities and Onex-owned SMG have completed their merger to create a new, standalone global facility management and venue services company, ASM Global.

First announced in February, the even-split merger of AEG Facilities, owned by Anschutz Entertainment Group, and SMG, a portfolio company of private equity firm Onex, was previously cleared by both the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority and the US Department of Justice, allowing today’s completion of the business combination.

Headquartered in the USA in Los Angeles, California and with key operational offices near the eastern US city of Philadelphia, as well as in London and Manchester in the UK and the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo, the new entity will be led by former AEG Facilities President Bob Newman, who has been named President and Chief Executive of the new company.

Its Asia-Pacific affiliate, ASM Global (Asia Pacific), the former AEG Ogden, is based in Brisbane.

The merged business operates a diversified portfolio of arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centres, performing arts centres, theatres and other venues with more than 300 facilities across five continents.

SMG’s former Chief Executive Wes Westley will be working to ensure a “seamless integration” of the two properties.

Newman, who earlier in his career spent more than 20 years at SMG, stated “this marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our industry and one that will establish a new standard of excellence in managing live experiences.

“Bringing together the combined global expertise of each company with the best content and cutting-edge technologies, we will be able to realize the full potential of the world’s greatest spaces, places and events, create amazing experiences for guests, offer exciting new opportunities to employees and deliver the highest value for all stakeholders.”

He went on to state “equally important, our deep bench of talent and shared resources will enable ASM to accelerate innovation and capitalise on the growing market opportunities.”

Westley added "I am very proud to have had the opportunity to lead such an incredible organization as SMG. We have a long history of working closely with our public and private partners and are confident in our ability to continue to meet and exceed their expectations. ASM’s focus moving forward will be on providing added value and best-in-class services to its customers. We are well-prepared for a seamless integration process.”

The merger will see ASM Global’s 61,000 employees around the world deliver locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to deliver maximum results for venue owners, and operations, and amazing experiences for guests.

For more information go to www.asmglobal.com