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.”

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Brian Appel, the cofounder and CEO of Boston Calling, will continue to run the local event, which will still be booked by founding curator Aaron Dessner, a member of the rock band the National.

“We are excited about joining a company that not only shares our commitment to delivering artist-and fan-friendly events, but that truly believes in the growing value of unique and exceptional live experiences,” Appel said in a press statement about the new relationship. “Their support will be invaluable as we continue to work on delivering successful events for music fans, while exploring new opportunities in the festival space.”

Steve Smith can be reached at steven.smith@globe.com . Follow him on Twitter @nightafternight