Nettwerk Music Group Acquires Benelux Independent Megadisc NV
December 1, 2015 BY Nettwerk
Nettwerk Music Group announces today that it has acquired the catalogue of music copyrights controlled by Gent, Belgium-based independent music company Megadisc NV, which controls recordings and publishing copyrights from such artists as Gabriel Rios, Buffalo Tom, 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 with a focus on acquiring and bringing increased value to master catalogues across Europe. Sten and Breitholtz are using their depth of experience and industry knowledge to uncover under exploited catalogues from across the region.
Blair McDonald, MD Nettwerk Music Group says, “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.”
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 now focuses more of his time in the art world, but comments, “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.” Adding, “And 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 says, “It´s an honor to work with the magnificent Megadisc catalogue. What Ric Urmel, together with his artists, created during the years is fantastic.”
(**Pictured left to right: Torbjorn Sten (Nettwerk), Ric Urmel (Owner, Megadisc), Blair McDonald (Nettwerk))
