BMG and Concord have today (September 1) confirmed the successful completion of their merger.
The combined companies say the deal will “create a new global music company with the scale, expertise, and capabilities to unlock greater opportunities for creators.”
The transaction, first announced on April 28, 2026, has received “all required regulatory approvals”, according to a press release. The company’s global headquarters will be located in Nashville, with Berlin serving as its European headquarters.
As previously announced, the combined company will operate under the BMG name, and will be owned approximately 67% by Bertelsmann and approximately 33% by affiliates of Great Mountain Partners.
Affiliates of Great Mountain Partners received a one-time cash payment of $1.16 billion from Bertelsmann as part of the transaction.
Bob Valentine now assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer of BMG, with Thomas Coesfeld serving as Chairman. The combined company boasts a catalog of over four million works.
“The completion of this transaction marks the beginning of a new chapter for BMG, creating a business with the scale and resources equipped for the future. We believe that investing in creators, music rights, and AI will allow us to unlock new opportunities for artists and writers in a rapidly evolving industry,” said Thomas Coesfeld, Chairman of BMG.
“By building on the entrepreneurial cultures and independent spirit that have long defined both organizations, we have created a platform that is uniquely positioned in the music industry and set up for sustainable long-term growth. I am truly convinced that together, our passionate teams will continue to innovate with purpose and deliver exceptional service to our creative partners around the world.”
Bob Valentine, Chief Executive Officer of BMG, said: “Today marks an exciting new chapter for our combined company and the creators we represent.
“We have brought together exceptional teams, celebrated catalogs, diverse and talented rosters, and a shared belief that creative talent deserves both dedicated advocacy and sustained investment. While our reach has expanded, the mission that brought us together remains the same: to support artists over the long term, honor the legacies we represent, and help build the next generation of enduring music and culture.”
In a press release, the combined firms said that “based on a strong commitment by both shareholders to invest into the further development of the company”, BMG is aiming to achieve revenues of over USD $2.5 billion at an EBITDA of USD $1.2 billion “in the midterm.”
The new BMG will be governed by a Board of Directors, working closely with an Executive Management Team.
The Board of Directors consists of Chairman Thomas Coesfeld, Johannes von Schwarzkopf, and Rolf Hellermann (Bertelsmann), as well as Alex Thomson (Great Mountain Partners), and Steve Smith (Concord Founding Partner).
The Executive Management Team will be comprised of the following individuals with designate titles:
- Bob Valentine, Chief Executive Officer
- Björn Bauer, Chief Financial Officer
- Sebastian Hentzschel, Chief Operating Officer
- Victor Zaraya, Chief Revenue Officer
- Amanda Molter, General Counsel
- Kent Hoskins, Chief Transformation Officer
Bob Valentine, BMG CEO, said: “The new Executive Management Team brings together leaders with the experience, judgement, and focus we need to deliver on BMG’s ambitions.
“As we begin this next chapter, our priority is to build on the strengths of both businesses, creating a clear, focused organization that can move nimbly, invest with conviction, and deliver long-term value for the artists, songwriters, and playwrights we partner with and represent.”
BMG has also established an 18-member Strategic Leadership Council, comprising the six members of the Executive Management Team and 12 additional senior leaders from across the company.
The Strategic Leadership Council comprises the following individuals and their areas of responsibility:
- Tom Becci, Global Recorded Operations
- Alberto Chullen, Corporate Development & Investments
- Sophia Dilley, Concord Originals
- Sean Flahaven, Concord Theatricals
- Celine Joshua, Global Marketing & Streaming
- Nitsa Kalispera, Global Supply Chain Operations
- Jon Loba, Global Frontline Recordings
- Ruth Martinez, Human Resources
- Kristal McKanders Dube, Corporate Communications
- Alistair Norbury, Senior Creative Advisor to CEO Bob Valentine
- Tom Scherer, Global Catalog Recordings
- Jim Selby, Global Music Publishing
Valentine added: “The Strategic Leadership Council gives us a broader group of leaders around the table, bringing together different areas of expertise and perspectives across BMG.
“It will help ensure we stay connected as a leadership team, sharpen our thinking, and maintain alignment as we translate our strategy into action across the business.”
BMG (as in, the pre-merger BMG) issued its latest half-year financial results last week, for H1 2026.
The company saw its revenue grow by 4.9% YoY to EUR €444 million (USD $518M) in the first half of 2026.
On an organic basis – which strips out the impact of acquisitions, disposals, and currency effects – BMG‘s revenue was up 8.1% YoY in the period.
BMG’s operating EBITDA adjusted rose to €127 million ($148m) in the six months to end of June, up from the €122 million the company posted in H1 2025.
That left BMG’s EBITDA margin at 28.7%, level with the prior-year period.Music Business Worldwide