Austin-based Front Gate Tickets has been acquired by a 50-50 partnership formed by two entertainment companies, Austin-based C3 Presents and Los Angeles-based AEG. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Founded in 2003, Front Gate provides ticketing for a number of local and national events. Its clients include C3 Presents' Austin City Limits Music Festival and Lollapalooza, as well as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach Country Music Festival, which are both produced by AEG's Goldenvoice division.

"The festival experience is like no other, and we believe it is best served by a ticketing platform that understands and innovates around that uniqueness," said Bryan Perez, AEG's president of digital, ticketing and media. "With their large roster of existing festival clients, and now backed by the country's leading festival promoters, C3 Presents and Goldenvoice, Front Gate will create a world-class solution for festivals of all sizes that puts the needs of the fans and promoters at the forefront."

Several local venues rely on Front Gate, including the Austin Music Hall, the Beauty Ballroom, the Belmont, Red 7, Saxon Pub and Stubb's. It represents a handful of San Antonio clubs, as well.

"We have been working closely with Front Gate over the years to redefine the ticketing experience for our customers," said Charlie Walker, a partner in C3 Presents. "Their innovation in this space has kept us at the forefront of delivering a unique experience at our festivals."

Contact Gary Dinges at 912-5987 Twitter: @gdinges