Mark Dinerstein, who’s now CEO of Marathon Live. Photo Credit: Heather Leven Photography
LA’s Mark Dinerstein Consulting and Hanover’s JPB Partners have announced the acquisition of Nashville-based Marathon Live.
Those buyers just recently unveiled their deal for the self-described “full-service facility management and operating company.” Established in 2011, Marathon Live runs six venues: Nashville’s Marathon Music Works, Kansas City’s The Truman, Chattanooga’s The Signal, Little Rock’s The Hall, St. Louis’ The Hawthorn, and Jacksonville’s recently opened Five.
Now, a number of changes are in the cards for the post-sale Marathon Live, beginning with LiveCo vet Mark Dinerstein’s signing on as CEO. Additionally, the newly sold business’s founder, Josh Billue, is expected to remain aboard – albeit as chief development officer.
Also staying with Marathon Live are execs including but not limited to COO Ryan Henry, chief accounting officer Chris Hewitt, and facilities SVP Casey Osburn.
Moving beyond personnel particulars, Marathon Live further intends to put JPB’s capital commitment to good use by acquiring properties, renovating existing spaces, and building different venues yet across North America. The company’s plans are “well underway on its next few projects,” per the announcement.
“In addition to facility acquisition,” elaborated Dinerstein, “we intend to grow through ground-up construction and offer full-facilities management services aimed at the 1,000 – 2,500 capacity sector offering true partnership through shared ideals.”
On the management side, Marathon Live took the opportunity to formally launch the relevant division, which it says can handle general consultation, ticketing, food and beverage operations, renovations, and a whole lot else.
Touching on Marathon Live’s perceived growth potential in remarks of his own, JPB Partners president and CEO Jim Bolduc underscored the “exciting opportunity” at hand.
“As a family office with a long-term vision,” weighed in Bolduc, “we see an exciting opportunity to support Mark and Josh through strategic consolidation and investment in customer-first platforms. By backing operators who prioritize unforgettable audience moments from iconic venues, we believe Marathon Live has immense potential for growth and innovation.”
Since June’s start, the quick-moving live-events sector has brought several other noteworthy announcements. Just in passing, that includes a firm opening date for Blue Note Los Angeles, Fever’s Dice buyout, AEG Presents’ Gary Musick Productions acquisition, and Seated’s founders-led buyback.
Meanwhile, from a regulatory and legal perspective, it’s hardly been smooth sailing in 2025 for leading players like Live Nation, the mentioned AEG, and a now-former Oak View Group exec. Against this backdrop – and with a huge pile of cash having poured into ticketing last year despite Ticketmaster’s dominance – the present appears to be a good a time as any for competitors to spearhead expansions.
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