Live Nation Bid to Avoid US Antitrust Suit Seen Falling Short

Live Nation Entertainment Inc. is set to meet with senior Justice Department officials in the coming weeks in a bid to stave off a potential antitrust lawsuit to break up the company.

It isn’t likely to work.

The Justice Department staff have recommended a suit against Ticketmaster, Live Nation’s ticketing arm, according to people familiar with the matter. Antitrust chief Jonathan Kanter — who makes the final decision — doesn’t favor settlements, especially not in this case, said the people, who asked not to be named discussing an ongoing investigation.

The DOJ’s antitrust enforcers have also been coordinating with state ...