Photo Credit: BMG
BMG and Concord announce the successful completion of their merger, confirming a new leadership team and a bright path forward.
Today, BMG and Concord announced the completion of their highly anticipated merger, creating a new global music company on par with the majors with the scale and expertise to bring greater opportunities to its artists. The transaction, first announced in late April, has now received all required regulatory approvals. Nashville will host the company’s global headquarters, while Berlin will serve as its European base.
Operating under the BMG name, the combined company brings together two highly complementary businesses spanning music publishing, recorded music, theatrical rights, digital distribution, and film & TV, serving artists, songwriters, playwrights, and other creatives worldwide. BMG is well positioned to deepen investment in creative talent, strategic partnerships, music rights, and technology.
Starting today, September 1, Bob Valentine assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer of BMG, with Thomas Coesfeld serving as Chairman. BMG will be governed by a Board of Directors responsible for the strategic direction, financial performance, continued innovation, and long-term vision of the company. They will work closely with the Executive Management Team to support BMG’s continued growth and create long-term value for stakeholders.
The Board of Directors consists of Chairman Thomas Coesfeld, Johannes von Schwarzkopf, and Rolf Hellermann (Bertelsmann), alongside Alex Thomson (Great Mountain Partners), and Steve Smith (Concord Founding Partner).
“The completion of this transaction marks the beginning of a new chapter for BMG, creating a business with the scale and resources equipped for the future. We believe that investing in creators, music rights, and AI will allow us to unlock new opportunities for artists and writers in a rapidly evolving industry,” said Thomas Coesfeld, Chairman of BMG.
“By building on the entrepreneurial cultures and independent spirit that have long defined both organizations, we have created a platform that is uniquely positioned in the music industry and set up for sustainable long-term growth. I am truly convinced that together, our passionate teams will continue to innovate with purpose and deliver exceptional service to our creative partners around the world.”
“Today marks an exciting new chapter for our combined company and the creators we represent,” said Bob Valentine, CEO of BMG. “We have brought together exceptional teams, celebrated catalogs, a diverse and talented roster, and a shared belief that creative talent deserves both dedicated advocacy and sustained investment. While our reach has expanded, the mission that brought us together remains the same: to support artists over the long term, honor the legacies we represent, and help build the next generation of enduring music and culture.”
BMG is privately held and majority-owned by Bertelsmann, the international media, services, and education company, with the remaining stake held by affiliates of Great Mountain Partners. Bertelsmann owns 67% of the combined company, while affiliates of Great Mountain Partners hold the remaining 33%. Affiliates of Great Mountain Partners received a one-time cash payment of $1.16 billion. Bertelsmann will continue to support BMG’s growth trajectory in the ever-changing global music market.