Live Nation operates music ventures provides managment services the music artists, and promises more than 22,000 live music events annually. The company merged with Ticketmaster and acquired concert and festival promoters in the United States, Australia, and Great Britain. How has Live Nation company used horizontal mergers and acquisitions to strengthen its competitive position? Are these moves primarily offensive or defensive? Has either Ticketmaster or Live Nation achieved any type of advantage based on the timing of its strategic moves?