BMG Rights Management is reportedly in discussions to acquire Concord, in a deal that would bring together two of the world’s biggest independent music companies.
Bloomberg broke the news on Thursday (January 29), reporting that the potential transaction could be worth up to $7 billion. Billboard separately reported that the company could sell for more than $6.6 billion, citing its own sources close to the negotiations.
BMG is a division of German media giant Bertelsmann.
Concord previously explored a sale in 2022, turning down offers of around $5 billion.
The two parties are understood to be working through the financial structure of a potential agreement, though Bloomberg notes the companies may not reach a deal.
A transaction of this size would likely face regulatory scrutiny across multiple jurisdictions, including the US, EU and UK.
Should a deal materialise, Bob Valentine, Concord’s Chief Executive Officer, is expected to assume leadership of the combined entity, according to Bloomberg.
That would leave BMG’s current CEO, Thomas Coesfeld, free to focus on his forthcoming role at parent company Bertelsmann.
As MBW reported in November, Coesfeld, whose grandfather Reinhard Mohn built Bertelsmann into a media empire, will assume the Chairman and CEO position at the parent company in January 2027.
The merged company would rank among the largest music businesses globally, potentially positioning it as a fourth ‘major’ alongside Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group.
Concord’s majority shareholder is Michigan Retirement Systems, the pension fund for the US state’s public school teachers. The fund has been a long-term backer of Concord.
BMG has invested approximately €1.2 billion ($1.4 billion) in music rights acquisitions since 2021, Bloomberg noted, completing 17 catalog deals in the first half of 2025 alone.
Both companies declined to comment on the reports. A Concord spokesperson stated: “As a matter of policy, we do not comment on rumors or speculation.” A BMG spokesperson acknowledged “recent media speculation” but said the company does not comment on “market rumors or unconfirmed reports”.Music Business Worldwide
