Live Nation Entertainment holds center stage as the world's largest ticket seller and promoter of live entertainment. The company significantly expanded its ticketing services with the purchase of Ticketmaster Entertainment. The 2010 deal, worth some $889 million, created a powerful live-music conglomerate. The firm owns or operates about 165 venues in North America and Europe. Annually, about 530 million people attend some 250,000 Live Nation events. Live Nation also owns House of Blues venues through HOB Entertainment and dozens of prestigious concert halls. In addition, Live Nation owns a stake in about 350 artists' music, including albums, tours, and merchandise.