Dubai buys 20% of Cirque du Soleil …

… The street-performer-turned-billionaire, born in Quebec City, insists he is having too much fun to give it up, as he tries to douse speculation that the Dubai government’s purchase of a 20-per-cent stake in his Montreal-based Cirque du Soleil is the precursor to a takeover.

Mr. Laliberté, 48, says the investment by two Dubai entities — a private equity division and the real estate arm of the emirate’s sovereign wealth fund — will fortify his company’s independence in the years to come.

“Not only is Cirque not for sale, but thanks to this strategic partnership, the organization is stronger than ever,” he said from Japan yesterday on a conference call with reporters following the announcement of the deal.

“Cirque is not sold, and I’m still the captain of the boat,” he said. …

From Quebec’s streets to Dubai – Report on Business

Cirque is opening 3 shows in the next 5wks.