Sam Hunt Concert — Photo Courtesy of UAB

Significant business deals have been made in Birmingham this week with three Birmingham-based companies being bought out by well-known national entities. Who’s been bought by whom?

Red Mountain Entertainment was bought by Live Nation Entertainment, Zeekee Interactive by Bell Media and Teklinks by C-Spire.

Red Mountain Entertainment bought by Live Nation Entertainment

The world’s leading entertainment company, Live Nation Entertainment, is buying a majority stake in Birmingham-based Red Mountain Entertainment, the company recently announced. Red Mountain Entertainment has the reputation as being one of the premier regional concert and festival promoters in the United States.

Bham Now RME — Photo courtesy of Sloss Music & Arts Festival- Red Mountain Entertainment

Under the undisclosed deal, the companies plan to combine Red Mountain’s rich market and expertise with Live Nation’s extensive resources to continue to grow live entertainment concerts and festivals in the Southeast.

“From day one, our goal at Red Mountain has always been to bring fans’ favorite artists to town. As we took on bigger venues, talent and events across the Southeast, we always stayed true to that mission, which is why we were excited about the opportunity to work with Live Nation,” said Gary Weinberger, President, Red Mountain Entertainment. “As part of Live Nation, with my partners Jay Wilson, John Ruffino and our team, we look forward to bringing countless more shows and festivals to fans across the Southeast.”

Bham Now Red Mountain Entertainment — Photo of Rod Stewart and Cyndy Lauper courtesy of Tuscaloosa Amphitheater- Red Mountain Entertainment

Red Mountain will continue overseeing all operations for its diverse suite of events and projects, that range from concert promotions, to festival promotion and production, as well as venue consulting. At the heart of the concert promotions, Red Mountain handles show bookings in a number of venues including amphitheaters, arenas, clubs and theaters. The company exclusively books shows for The Wharf Amphitheater, Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, Brandon Amphitheater and Iron City.

Red Mountain Entertainment is well-known in Birmingham for their promotion of diverse and eclectic concerts for leading artists including, but not limited to, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Fall Out Boy, G-Eazy, Phish, Leon Bridges, Rod Stewart, Dave Matthews Band, Bob Dylan, Kings of Leon, Imagine Dragons and Chris Stapleton.

In addition, Red Mountain is involved in the production of music festivals throughout the South, including, Sloss Music & Arts Festival which the company co-owns with AC Entertainment and VMI, as well as exclusive bookings partnerships with Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis and Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival in Richardson, Texas. Red Mountain also produces craft beer festivals in the South and owns the Oak Mountain State Fair in the Birmingham area.

The company also uses their expertise to consult with clients on venue planning and design, event sponsorships, seating packages, marketing and operations. Red Mountain’s Team will stay with the company and continue to operate from Birmingham, Alabama as part of Live Nation.

Bham Now Zeekee Interactive — Photo courtesy of Zeekee Interactive

Zeekee Interactive acquired by Bell Media

Bell Media, a Digital Marketing Agency, recently announced that they have acquired Zeekee Interactive, a leading website design and development firm that has supported over 4000 websites during its 15-year tenure. This is the second acquisition for Bell in three months. The company recently acquired Carted, a software company that tailors services to independent grocers.

“At Bell Media, we’re focused on becoming a digital marketing leader in the Southeast region,” said Scott Bell, CEO, Bell Media. “The acquisition of Zeekee presents a tremendous opportunity for us to provide a better overall service and experience for our customers. I’m proud of our team and the hard work they’ve put in to making Bell Media the leading digital marketing agency in Alabama. We look forward to working with the Zeekee team!”