The Madison Square Garden Company, the New York City-based sports and entertainment company that operates Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall among other concerns, has acquired a controlling interest in Boston Calling Events, the production firm that since 2013 has mounted the successful Boston Calling music festival on City Hall Plaza, and in May announced ambitious relocation and expansion plans for 2017.

The move reinforces a Boston presence for the Madison Square Garden Company, which has maintained a live booking agreement with the Citi Wang Theatre for eight years.

“We have been exploring music festivals as a way to further expand and strengthen our position in the ‘live experience’ space and are very pleased to welcome Boston Calling Events to the MSG family,” David O’Connor, president and CEO of the Madison Square Garden Company, said in a press statement. “Over the last 3½ years, Boston Calling’s popularity has been built by its commitment to operating as an open and independent festival that welcomes artists from all genres. We want to support Boston Calling Events’ efforts to preserve this well-earned reputation as it moves forward with its plans to expand and enrich this great event for a great city.”