Nettwerk Music Group has acquired the catalogue of Belgium-based independent music company Megadisc NV.
Megadisc controls recordings and publishing copyrights from such artists as Gabriel Rios, Buffalo Tom (pictured), Neeka, Mathilde Santing, Elisa Waut and many others.
This acquisition is the first under Nettwerk’s new partnership with Swedish industry veterans Torbjorn Sten and Hasse Breitholtz, which operates under the Nettwerk Music Group umbrella.
Sten and Breitholtz have been tasked by Nettwerk to uncover catalogues ripe for exploitation from across Europe.
Blair McDonald, MD Nettwerk Music Group said, “We’re delighted to be working with Torbjorn and Hasse. Their understanding of the European record business and the opportunities presented in the developing digital market place make a very exciting prospect.
“The acquisition of the Megadisc catalogue is the perfect start.”
[Pictured inset: Torbjorn Sten (Nettwerk), Ric Urmel (Owner, Megadisc), Blair McDonald (Nettwerk)]
Megadisc owner Ric Urmel built his company over 35 years with such Gold and Platinum acts as Novastar, Zita Swoon, Starflam and Gabriel Rios, and also discovered Boston-based band Buffalo Tom.
He commented: “I do not see the sale of my catalogue as an end but rather a new beginning, and feel very comfortable leaving these unique recordings in the capable hands of genuine music lovers like Torbjorn and Hasse.”
He added: “If the industry doesn’t mind, I now would like to join my good old friend Ivo Watts-Russell on his mountain top in New Mexico.”
Torbjorn Sten said, “It´s an honor to work with the magnificent Megadisc catalogue. What Ric Urmel, together with his artists, created during the years is fantastic.”Music Business Worldwide
