Massarsky Consulting, which valued music assets worth over $6.5 billion last year, has been acquired by Citrin Cooperman

Barry Massarsky founded Massarsky Consulting in 1992

If there’s one name in the world of asset valuations that’s embedded itself at the center of music’s catalog buyout craze, it’s Massarsky Consulting.

The New York-headquartered firm has played an integral role in a spate of headline-grabbing acquisition deals in recent years – deals made by companies such as Round Hill, Downtown, Reservoir, BMG, SONGS Music Publishing, Sony Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music and many more.

In addition, Massarsky has become well known in industry circles as the ongoing valuer of Hipgnosis Songs Fund’s NAV [net asset value].

Now – just when the music rights M&A market couldn’t get any hotter – Massarsky has been acquired by professional services firm Citrin Cooperman for an undisclosed fee.

Barry Massarsky, who founded Massarsky Consulting in 1992, is joining Citrin Cooperman as a Partner.

Also joining Citrin Cooperman as a Partner is Nari Matsuura, who has been a Partner at Massarsky Consulting since 2005, having initially joined the firm in 2001.

“Barry’s name is synonymous with the economics of music and his group will be a fantastic addition to our firm.”

Joel Cooperman, Citrin Cooperman

Barry Massarsky and Nari Matsuura become co-leaders of Citrin Cooperman’s new Music Economics and Valuation Services Practice.

Also joining this practice will be members of Massarsky’s well-regarded team, including Elon Altman and Jake DeVries.

As such, The Massarsky Group will join Citrin Cooperman’s Entertainment, Music, and Sports Practice, led by Partner Matthew Segreto.

Citrin Cooperman Executive Chairman Joel Cooperman said: “Barry’s reputation in the entertainment industry precedes him. His name is synonymous with the economics of music and his group will be a fantastic addition to our firm.”

“Nari has singlehandedly revolutionized the custom and practice of music valuation study… In 2021 alone, she has led over 300 music asset valuations valued at over $6.5 billion.”

Alan Badey, Citrin Cooperman

Alan Badey, CEO of Citrin Cooperman, adds: “Nari has singlehandedly revolutionized the custom and practice of music valuation study and supports most of the institutional funds transacting in this market.

“In 2021 alone, she has led over 300 music asset valuations valued at over $6.5 billion.”

“We’re thrilled to have the Massarsky Group be part of the Citrin Cooperman team,” said Barry Massarsky, founding partner of Massarsky Consulting.

“It was important for us to find a firm with a deep understanding of the same music industry copyright interests for which we are so well-aligned for the last 29 years. We wanted a partner that truly creates the new resource capacity for our important work ahead.”

“We’re thrilled to have the Massarsky Group be part of the Citrin Cooperman team.”

Barry Massarsky

Added Nari Matsuura, “Joining Citrin Cooperman was the natural next step for our firm given its growth, and together we can fully serve the continually rising demand for our services in the music industry.

“We are so excited to begin 2022 as part of their team.”

“Joining Citrin Cooperman was the natural next step for our firm given its growth.”

Nari Matsuura

Citrin Cooperman CEO Alan Badey commented: “The Massarsky Group has a deep understanding of industry dynamics, is committed to fostering long-term relationships, and has a true passion for the work that they do. We could not be more excited to have a firm join that aligns so perfectly with our values.”

Massarsky Consulting provides strategic counsel to owners of music copyrights, as well as valuation, litigation economics, and performance income review.

Matthew Segreto, leader of Citrin Cooperman’s Entertainment, Music, and Sports Practice, shared, “The combined resources of our two firms will bring an unprecedented level of depth and breadth of experience and expertise to our entertainment and business management clients.”

Citrin Cooperman’s entertainment and business management practice areas have grown rapidly over the last few years, driven by its West Coast expansion, which included the addition of the Beverly Hills, CA; West Los Angeles, CA; and Woodland Hills, CA offices.

Massarsky Consulting was represented in the acquisition by its longtime legal counsel, Michael Poster of Michelman & Robinson, LLP.

Massarsky Consulting was also represented by Brian Richards of Artisan, a specialty investment bank which provides advisory services throughout the music, media, and entertainment industries.Music Business Worldwide