DOJ to announce antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation as soon as Thursday

The Justice Department plans to announce an antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation, the parent company of Ticketmaster, as soon as Thursday, according to three people familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe the case before it becomes public.

The exact nature of the government’s announcement is not immediately clear, and the sources cautioned the timing could still shift. But a federal case against Live Nation could dramatically reshape the entertainment industry, potentially reducing the company’s sprawling footprint as a concert promoter, venue owner and ticket seller.