Il Divo, the operatic pop group created by American Idol's Simon Cowell, has inked a global touring and merchandising deal with Live Nation that begins in the UK in February 2009.

In addition to promoting the group's concert dates, Live Nation will also have exclusive rights to the group's merchandise, fan club, VIP packages and tour sponsorships. Financial terms were not disclosed.

"Il Divo have the best of both worlds: Simon Cowell, Syco and SonyBMG to continue producing their records and help guide their careers, and now Live Nation to handle their touring activities," the group's manager, Peter Rudge, said in a statement. "This new Live Nation deal was the result of great work from our team including our agents John Giddings from Solo and David Zedeck from CAA, with the support of our music partners at Syco and SonyBMG."

Il Divo releases its fifth album, "The Promise," on November 18. The tour will comprise about 90 dates in its first phase and up to 150 total shows over two years, according to Rudge.

A touring force of nature, Il Divo's two sold out world tours have seen them performing to over 1.5 million people in 30 countries. They appeared at the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2006 FIFA World Cup singing the official theme song with Toni Braxton, and they were special guests of Barbara Streisand on her 2006 tour of North America. They have also sold over 22 millions albums.

Live Nation currently has a deal with the Jonas Brothers that encompasses 150 concerts.