Ari Emanuel’s Mari Reportedly In Talks Over $6B Deal To Buy ATG, Owner Of Theater Venues Behind Shows Like ‘Paddington’

Mari, the events company founded last year by Ari Emanuel, is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire West End and Broadway theater giant ATG Entertainment for £4.5B ($6B).

The Financial Times reported that Mari is in exclusive discussions with ATG’s private equity backer, Providence, over a deal that could be sealed within weeks.

Deadline has approached Mari, ATG, and Providence for comment.

UK-based ATG owns historic theater venues in London and New York, including the West End’s Savoy, home to Paddington the Musical, and Broadway’s the Lyric, which hosts Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. 

ATG’s revenue rose nearly 5% to £924M in the year to the end of March 2025, according to its most recently filed accounts on the UK’s Companies House. Its adjusted EBITDA increased 15.7% to £208M.

Emanuel launched Mari in 2025 as a new holding company for the Frieze art organization, global tennis tournaments and other assets once housed by Endeavor. Several notable investors backed the venture to the tune of $2B, including Apollo and RedBird Capital Partners.

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