WMG & Bain Invest In Music Catalogs
• UPDATED: Warner Music Group and private investment firm Bain Capital, are launching a joint venture to allow for the purchase of up to $1.2 billion of legendary music catalogs across both recorded music and music publishing. The partnership was formed through equal equity commitments from WMG and Bain Capital.
This new strategic venture will provide artists and songwriters with opportunities to preserve and expand the reach of their catalogs, ensuring their legacies are well cared for. WMG and Bain Capital will together source and acquire the catalogs, while WMG will manage all aspects of marketing, distribution, and administration. By combining WMG’s worldwide infrastructure and relationships with Bain Capital’s global resources and financial capabilities, the venture is well-positioned to set a new standard as the preferred partner for renowned musical talent.
“Iconic artists and songwriters choose WMG to grow their legacies and introduce their art to new generations through impactful and innovative campaigns,” said Robert Kyncl, CEO, Warner Music Group. “Augmenting our deep expertise and global infrastructure with Bain Capital’s financial prowess and belief in music will make us the destination of choice for preeminent catalogs.”
“Timeless music content continues to sit at the center of consumer entertainment,” said Angelo Rufino, a Partner at Bain Capital. “Stewardship of catalogs has never been more important as artists and songwriters deserve support to enhance the value of their work while delivering fans new and exciting collaborations. Warner Music Group, with its deep creative resources and partnership culture, is the ideal partner for Bain Capital to work alongside as we grow and safeguard the world’s iconic music.”
• Just hours later, WMG announced what it says is the final stage of its months-long restructuring, which will eliminate an unspecified number of jobs that will number in the hundreds and total $170 million, out of around $300 million in total savings.
As Variety observes, “The upshot of the announcement is that the company is doubling down on its investments in music, including A&R and M&A (such as the Bain deal), while cutting costs in other areas, including staff and administrative and real estate expenses. The company already has undergone several waves of layoffs in recent years, and this next round is expected to continue into 2026.”
