BMG Combines With Concord

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BMG and Concord have combined their businesses.

Operating under the BMG name, the company will span music publishing, recorded music, theatrical rights and digital distribution.

“We believe this is a truly one-of-a-kind opportunity to bring together two world-class teams and rosters at the right moment, as scale in rights ownership becomes increasingly critical to long-term growth,” says Thomas Coesfeld, Chief Executive Officer of BMG and designated Chairman of the combined company. “This transaction accelerates our successful BMG Next strategy by enabling a more ambitious and sustained approach to investing in artists and songwriters, as well as in rights, technology, AI tools, and the talent shaping the industry. As one unified business, we will further deepen our position as a preferred global partner to artists, songwriters, and platforms, combining scale with the agility and independence they value. We look forward to this next chapter and to the opportunities it creates for artists, songwriters, and partners.”

“We are excited to begin working together to build something truly exceptional,” shares Bob Valentine, Chief Executive Officer of Concord and designated CEO of the combined company. “Both companies were founded to support great artistry and with a deep sense of responsibility to the performers, songwriters, and playwrights we serve. We share a philosophy grounded in artist development, strategic long-term management of IP, and operational discipline. Our greater scale will allow us to invest more in creative talent, global reach, accretive acquisition opportunities, and technology, while preserving the nimble, entrepreneurial spirit that artists and songwriters value most. This is not about replicating the major label model; it’s about using scale to strengthen independence. Together, we will build a company that gives artists more reach and more flexibility – all designed to support their distinct visions.”

Upon closing, Valentine will serve as CEO of the combined company, with Coesfeld serving as Chairman.

As previously announced, Coesfeld will assume the role of CEO of Bertelsmann, effective January 1, 2027. A joint management team drawn from both companies will lead the business. The newly formed company’s global headquarters will be in Nashville, with Berlin serving as its European headquarters. Its publishing division will be named BMG Publishing, and its recorded music division will be called Concord Records.

The deal is expected to close later this year.

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is serving as legal counsel to BMG. J.P. Morgan is serving as financial advisor to Concord and Latham and Watkins LLP and Reed Smith LLP are serving as legal counsel. Alston & Bird LLP is advising Great Mountain Partners.

Lauryn Sink
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