Concord Stealthily Acquires Ninja Tune
• Concord has acquired indie, UK-based Ninja Tune Records. The move vastly increases Concord Label Group’s UK and European footprint and provides Ninja Tune with the additional resources necessary to enhance its extensive global frontline success.
Founded in 1990 by musicians Matt Black and Jonathan More (a.k.a. Coldcut), Ninja Tune has been at the forefront of the independent music scene for over 30 years. Now with the backing of Concord’s worldwide resources, the label will continue to operate under its current leadership team — Marie Clausen, Dawn Dobson, Martin Dobson, Adrian Kemp, Tess Kendall, Peter Quicke and Samantha Sissons, in its current UK and U.S. offices.
The deal also includes Ninja Tune’s publishing arm, Just Isn’t Music, and its roster of songwriters, composers, and producers. The catalog includes most of the songs on Ninja Tune’s recorded releases and works by artists such as The Prodigy, Soulwax, Nova Twins, and more.
“Over three decades, the team at Ninja Tune has built a label dedicated to independent artistry,” stated Concord CEO Bob Valentine. “Their amazing roster, and the team’s ambition to continue to grow Ninja Tune, seamlessly align with our vision for Concord’s expanding frontline reach. These attributes, alongside the opportunity to greatly expand Concord’s UK and European operations, made this acquisition an obvious strategic fit. I’m eager to see our collective vision take form.”
Tom Becci, CEO of Concord Label Group commented, “I’m beyond excited to welcome Ninja Tune and their stellar roster of artists to Concord. With their team on board, we are even better situated today to deliver on behalf of independent artists everywhere — increasing their reach and helping them finding new audiences with whom their music resonates, no matter where in the world that audience exists. Thank you to Marie, Dawn, Martin, Adrian, Tess, Peter, and Samantha, and the entire team for trusting Concord to carry on the Ninja Tune legacy.”
Ninja Tune founders Matt Black and Jon More jointly commented, “It’s an artist’s prerogative and responsibility to be dissatisfied with what one already knows. To, with sadness, kiss it goodbye and joyfully begin fishing again. Partnering with Concord ensures the culture and ethos that make the label so unique remain, whilst bringing mad Ninja energy and innovation forward.”
