That something is IAC/InterActiveCorp's Ticketmaster [IACI], which agreed Tuesday to buy the second-largest ticket reseller Web site for $265 million. The company last year tucked away $34 million in a Series A round from Adams Street Partners, DFJ Portage Venture Partners and New World Ventures. At the time, CEO Mike Domek said TicketNow wasn't taking the cash for "anyything specific besides continuing to grow the business, but it gives us great flexibility whether it's an acquisition or heavier marketing campaigns or branding spend."

Yet things have changed in the secondary ticket market, with eBay Inc. a year ago acquiring TicketsNow rival StubHub Inc. for $310 million. The online auctioneer has since taken the top spot in the market away from TicketsNow. With the backing of IAC/InterActiveCorp, TicketsNow has a better chance of regaining the lead.

The deal is also sure to have the backers of RazorGator Inc. either worried, or happily awaiting their exit. Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers and Oak Investment Partners LP in 2005 backed the online ticket reseller with $26 million in Series A funding. - Olaf de Senerpont Domis

See Jan. 15 press release from TicketsNow
See March 2007 story from TheDeal.com
See January 2007 story from TheDeal.com