THE bid by music promoter Denis Desmond and Live Nation to acquire the Academy Music Group (AMG), which operates 10 music venues across Britain, has attracted the ire of rival promoter Harvey Goldsmith.

Goldsmith believes that if the proposed deal — which is currently under review by Britain’s Office of Fair Trading (OFT) — goes through, Live Nation and Desmond’s company MCD will hold a dominant position over the London music scene.

If the bid is successful, then Clear Channel spin-off Live Nation will have an interest in eight London gig venues while Desmond will have an interest in six, including Wembley Arena and the Astoria.

“If they end up buying the Academy Group they’ll have too much control in London,” Goldsmith said.

The proposed takeover would see Live Nation and MCD acquire the 51% stake in AMG owned by two venture capital firms, RJD Partners and F&C Private Equity Trust. Desmond already owns a 12.5% stake in AMG.

The OFT said that the proposed deal was still under review, but that a decision would most likely be made by the end of the month.