BMG + BBRMG

BMG has acquired Nashville-based independent powerhouse BBR Music Group (BBRMG), including its associated labels Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records, Wheelhouse Records, Red Bow Records and its music publishing company Magic Mustang Music. The agreement includes the rights to a number of major Country artists, including Jason Aldean, Trace Adkins, Dustin Lynch, Randy Houser, Thompson Square and many others. BBR Music Group, founded by entrepreneur Benny Brown in 1997, becomes BMG’s biggest single acquisition in the recordings business since its launch in 2008 as the first new international music company of the streaming age.

BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch said, “BBR Music Group is a phenomenally successful operation whose philosophy and commitment to its artists fit perfectly with the new BMG. I have a huge respect for what Benny and his team have achieved. The combination of BBR Music Group and BMG gives artists and songwriters in Nashville and beyond a new route to the worldwide market. We will be the alternative so many artists are looking for.”

BBRMG will continue to operate from its Nashville headquarters and its 48 staff will transfer to BMG. It will sit alongside BMG’s recording operations in Los Angeles. BBRMG founder Benny Brown and CFO Paul Brown will remain as consultants to the business following the deal, while all existing staff remain in their positions reporting directly to EVP Jon Loba. Loba will report to BMG U.S. President of Repertoire & Marketing Zach Katz.