Live Nation CEO Pay Tied to ‘Solving’ DOJ-Antitrust Problem

Live Nation Entertainment Inc. Chief Executive Officer Michael Rapino told a New York jury that his multi-million-dollar compensation is tied in part to his “solving the DOJ problem” — a reference to the threat posed by government antitrust enforcers who want to break up the company.

About 90% of Rapino’s pay comes from a cash bonus and stock grant, the CEO acknowledged Thursday during testimony at an antitrust trial in federal court. Live Nation’s board bases those payouts on whether certain profit targets are met, as well as a “regulatory affairs” goal set by the board, he said. The US Department of Justice and dozens of states sued the company claiming it operates a monopoly in the live music business.