6 Predictions For Live Nation Ticketmaster

1. 
   The deal will be the source of much hand wringing and government scrutiny, but it will be approved.
2. LN's Michael Rapino will not see 2010 at the combined company.  He's a great young exec, but no match for Diller and Azoff.
3. Ticket fees will increasingly be included in ticket prices as a way to calm consumer distrust,
   but it will mean higher rather than lower overall prices.
4. Secondary ticketing will be under the microscope but continue to thrive both officially (TicketsNow) and in the shadows via competitors. Ultimately, it's all about supply and demand.
5. The combined databases will turn out to be the real goldmine of the deal. Watch for more up-selling of merchandise, parking, hotel rooms and more.
6. Music sales alongside tickets will happen slowly at first, but before the end of the year the major labels will be begging for a fledged download store integrated within the new Live Nation Entertainment's sites.

More: Merger Done, Government Scrutiny To Follow, Vote: What Do You Think Of The Merger?