Chrysalis Draws Admiring Glances

Chrysalis Music Group, an independent British music publishing company is beginning to draw admiring glances from a number of interested suitors according to the New York Post. Interested parties named by the publication include BMG Rights Management and Warner Music Group.

Chrysalis has confirmed that it has been discussing “merger opportunities,” but failed to disclose any names. This past year has seen a number of high profile music publishing merger and acquisitions. BMG Rights added Cherry Lane, Stage Three Music and Evergreen Copyrights to its roster. Chrysalis recently acquired S1 Songs America.

According to sources, one stumbling block to a completed deal revolves around Chrysalis Chairman Chris Wright’s desire to maintain management control. Wright owns a 29% stake in Chrysalis.

Publishing company values appear to be undergoing some marketplace fluctuation. According to the Post, “Chrysalis has an estimated value of $200 million, although industry insiders believe that figure is overstated and suggest it might be about half that amount.” Bug Music, now named as a possible Chrysalis merger candidate, was previously involved in acquisition discussions with BMG Rights Management among others, but apparently none of the parties were offering a price in the $250-$300 million range which Bug required.

Chrysalis has a Nashville office headed by Executive VP Dale Bobo.