How a vulture capitalist quietly took over Europe’s festival scene

U.S. investment giant KKR has quietly bought up major European music festivals like Sónar and Sziget. Investigative journalists Henk Willem Smits, Salsabil Fayed, Nick de Jager, and Remy Koens have uncovered ties between KKR and Israel-linked firms, including controversial projects in the occupied Palestinian territories. As outrage grows over Israel’s war in Gaza, artists and festivalgoers are pushing back. They accuse the private equity firm of putting profits over the community spirit and cultural values that have long defined such events. Related stories ➪https://www.ftm.eu/articles/private-equity-buys-festivals https://www.ftm.eu/articles/brett-christophers-asset-manager-society Follow the podcasthttps://www.ftm.eu/podcast/follow-the-money-the-podcast Follow FTM on social media: Instagram ➪ https://www.instagram.com/followthemoney_eu/ BlueSky  ➪ https://bsky.app/profile/ftm.eu LinkedIn ➪ https://www.linkedin.com/company/follow-the-money-eu/ Become a member and support independent investigative journalism! https://www.ftm.eu/subscribe Follow Henk Willem SmitsBlueSky: @henkwillem.bsky.social‬ Follow Salsabil Fayed BlueSky: @salsabilfayed.bsky.social