The Evolution of CTS Eventim: From Bremen Startup to Global Entertainment Powerhouse
BREMEN, 06 February 2026 — As the international live entertainment industry continues its post-pandemic surge toward a projected $200 billion valuation, one European titan remains at the centre of the ecosystem. CTS Eventim, the German-born ticketing and live events giant, has transitioned from a local computerized booking service into a diversified global player, recently marking a significant milestone with the successful Olympic premiere of its new arena in Milan.
The Architect of Modern Ticketing: Klaus-Peter Schulenberg
The trajectory of CTS Eventim is inextricably linked to its founder and CEO, Klaus-Peter Schulenberg. With a career spanning more than 45 years in the entertainment sector, Schulenberg began his journey as a student, founding an artist management and event agency. In 1989, he established the original Computer Ticket Service (CTS) in Bremen.
Under Schulenberg’s leadership, the company underwent a period of rapid consolidation and technological advancement. By the late 1990s, CTS had evolved into CTS Eventim AG, eventually listing on the stock exchange in 2000. Today, the company is a fixture of the MDAX segment, with Schulenberg continuing to oversee corporate strategy, new media, and marketing as the Executive Board Chairman.
Strategic Diversification and Infrastructure
CTS Eventim operates through two primary segments: Ticketing and Live Entertainment. This dual-model allows the company to control the entire value chain, from promoting tours to processing the final ticket sale.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Connection
As of February 2026, the company’s infrastructure investments are yielding high-profile results. The new arena in Milan, a project spearheaded by CTS Eventim, recently celebrated its “Olympic Premiere” in conjunction with the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. Designed by Giammichele Melis, the venue features a “flexible bowl” concept, allowing it to transition seamlessly between sporting events and large-scale concert productions.
Public Sector Ventures
Beyond music and sports, the company has leveraged its technological expertise for large-scale administrative projects. In a notable partnership with the Austrian firm Kapsch TrafficCom, CTS Eventim was commissioned to manage the collection of German passenger vehicle tolls, demonstrating the versatility of its booking and transaction systems.
Financial Performance and Market Position
The company entered 2025 with dynamic organic growth. According to CEO Klaus-Peter Schulenberg, the first quarter of 2025 saw significant expansion driven by both internal performance and strategic acquisitions. As of early 2026, the Group continues to be a dominant force in the European market, competing directly with global entities like Live Nation.
| Key Milestone | Year | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | 1989 | Established in Bremen by Klaus-Peter Schulenberg. |
| Stock Exchange Listing | 2000 | Listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange; member of the MDAX. |
| Olympic Arena Debut | 2026 | Successful premiere of the Milan Arena for the Winter Games. |
The Future of Live Events
As the industry moves forward, CTS Eventim is focusing on “New Media” and digital distribution channels. The company’s online booking system now supports a vast array of distribution partners, including major retailers like MediaMarktSaturn. However, the rise of automated “ticket bots” and secondary market concerns remain a challenge for the industry at large, prompting the company to invest further in secure, verified ticket transfer technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns CTS Eventim?
CTS Eventim is a publicly traded company (ISIN DE 0005470306). However, founder Klaus-Peter Schulenberg remains the primary visionary and a significant shareholder, having led the company for nearly three decades.
Where is the company headquartered?
While founded in Bremen, the company maintains a massive international presence with major administrative and operational hubs across Munich and other European capitals.
How can I ensure my Eventim tickets are legitimate?
Industry experts recommend only purchasing tickets through the official Eventim web portal or authorised partners. If in doubt, consumers are advised to contact the venue directly to verify the legitimacy of a ticket seller and avoid secondary market scalpers.
What is the “Milan Arena” project?
The Milan Arena is a state-of-the-art multi-purpose venue developed by CTS Eventim. It serves as a cornerstone for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and is designed to be one of Europe’s premier destinations for live music and entertainment following the games.