BMG and Concord Merge to Form Global Independent Music Giant

BMG and Concord are officially joining forces in a blockbuster deal that will create what they describe as “the leading independent music company in the world".

Announced on Tuesday (April 28th), the definitive agreement will see the two companies combine under the BMG name, bringing together their publishing, recorded music, theatrical rights, and digital distribution operations in a move designed to better compete in an increasingly consolidated global music industry.

The merger arrives at a time when music companies are racing to scale up amid growing competition around catalogue ownership, streaming revenue, and AI-driven technology investment. According to the companies, the combined business will use its expanded reach to invest more heavily in artists, songwriters, rights acquisitions, and emerging tech.

“We believe this is a truly one-of-a-kind opportunity to bring together two world-class teams and rosters at the right moment, as scale in rights ownership becomes increasingly critical to long-term growth,” said Thomas Coesfeld, chief executive officer of BMG and designated chairman of the combined company.

“This transaction accelerates our successful BMG Next strategy by enabling a more ambitious and sustained approach to investing in artists and songwriters, as well as in rights, technology, AI tools, and the talent shaping the industry.”

Bob Valentine, CEO of Concord and incoming CEO of the combined company, framed the merger as a way to strengthen independent music rather than imitate the major label system.

“This is not about replicating the major label model; it’s about using scale to strengthen independence,” Valentine said. “Together, we will build a company that gives artists more reach and more flexibility - all designed to support their distinct visions.”

Between them, BMG and Concord represent an enormous catalogue spanning artists and songwriters including Jelly Roll, Paul Simon, Lainey Wilson, will.i.am, Tina Turner, Phil Collins, R.E.M., and Daddy Yankee, alongside productions including Hamilton and The Sound of Music.

Financially, the combined business is aiming high. The companies said the merger creates a business with a projected pro forma EBITDA base of more than $730 million in 2026, alongside a mid-term ambition to hit $1.2 billion through a mix of organic growth, acquisitions, and operational synergies.

Once the deal closes, the company’s global headquarters will be based in Nashville, while Berlin will serve as its European headquarters. The publishing arm will operate as BMG Publishing, while the recorded music division will carry the Concord Records name.

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approval.