Live Nation is acquiring a majority interest in one of the largest independent concert promoters in the U.S., Frank Productions.

Larry and Fred Frank’s company and its affiliates NS2 in Nashville and CMoore Live in Boise, Idaho, will continue to operate its network of concert promotion companies and venues, and will join forces with Live Nation on tours and other promotion opportunities. Live Nation expects that all Frank Productions employees, including its leadership team, will remain in place as part of the joint venture.

Founded in 1964 and based in Madison, Wisc., in the last year Frank Productions acquired the High Noon Saloon in Madison, merged with Majestic Live, which operates Madison’s Majestic Theatre plus The Blue Note and Rose Music Hall in Columbia, Mo., and broke ground on The Sylvee, a 2,500 capacity concert hall in Madison scheduled to open later this year. Live Nation has asked Frank Productions to take over operations at the Orpheum Theater in Madison immediately.

Bob Roux, Co-President, Live Nation, U.S. Concerts, said of the Franks: "They bring valuable industry expertise, solid market representation, and most importantly, an artist-centric approach that will benefit both performers and music fans."