MARI Acquires Majority Stake in Event Company Bucket Listers
Ari Emanuel’s holding company, MARI, has secured a majority stake in Bucket Listers, a company renowned for its event-focused marketing initiatives. Founded in 2018, Bucket Listers specializes in creating pop-up restaurants, immersive experiences, cultural festivals, and seasonal events.
MARI’s Strategic Acquisition of Bucket Listers
This acquisition aims to enhance MARI’s ability to engage audiences through innovative experiences. Bucket Listers has a history of collaboration with major studios and brands, including iconic projects like the Malibu Barbie Café with Mattel, the Family Guy Experience with Disney, and the Survivor Café with CBS/Paramount. However, the financial terms of the acquisition remain undisclosed.
Background on MARI and its Objectives
MARI launched in the fall of 2022 as a holding company encompassing various live events and experiences, including the Frieze art organization and global tennis tournaments. This entity emerged following Endeavor’s transition to the WME Group, which involved significant restructuring.
MARI’s leadership includes Ari Emanuel as CEO, with Mark Shapiro, a longtime collaborator, serving as a principal investor and board member. Shapiro also holds roles as president and COO of TKO Group Holdings and president of WME Group.
Vision for Enhanced Audience Engagement
In announcing the acquisition, MARI emphasized its commitment to building a “more connected audience journey.” Bucket Listers is positioned as a valuable addition to MARI’s existing portfolio, which includes TodayTix Group, a platform for accessing live performances and cultural events.
With this partnership, MARI hopes to leverage social-first audience engagement to broaden its reach into new categories. Emanuel stated, “Bucket Listers gives us deeper insight into how audiences discover and decide what to do.”
Shared Goals for the Future
Andy Lederman, Founder and CEO of Bucket Listers, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are honored to join forces with Ari, Mark, and the team, along with TodayTix, on a collective mission to modernize and reshape the future of live experiences.”
The collaboration is expected to drive mutual growth and enhance the way audiences experience live events. As strategies evolve and technology advances, both MARI and Bucket Listers are well-positioned to navigate the changing landscape of live experiences.
