Concord has acquired UK independent label Ninja Tune Records.

Described in the announcement as “one of the most well-respected, credible record labels in the world”, the Ninja Tune team will become part of Concord in the UK. 

“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,” said a statement.

Founded in 1990 by musicians Matt Black and Jonathan More (aka 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 US offices. 

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

Bob Valentine

Over the course of its history Ninja Tune has released records by artists including Barry Can’t Swim, Bicep, Black Country, New Road, Bonobo, The Cinematic Orchestra, Coldcut, Diplo, Fcukers, Floating Points, Flying Lotus (via Brainfeeder), Glass Beams, Kae Tempest, Kamasi Washington (via Brainfeeder), Kelis, Kid Koala, King Geedorah (MF Doom), Little Dragon, Maribou State, Metronomy, Mr Scruff, Nilüfer Yanya, Odesza, Peggy Gou, Roots Manuva, Run The Jewels, Sampa The Great, Thundercat (via Brainfeeder), Young Fathers, and more.

Additionally, the deal includes Ninja Tune’s publishing arm, Just Isn’t Music, and its roster of songwriters, composers and producers. The publishing catalogue includes the majority 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,” said 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 am eager to see our collective vision take form.”

Partnering with Concord ensures the culture and ethos that make the label so unique remain, whilst bringing mad Ninja energy and innovation forward

Coldcut

Tom Becci, CEO Concord Label Group, said: “I am 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 find 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 Coldcut (Matt Black and Jon More) said: “It is 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.”

Financial and tax advisory for Concord was provided by KPMG Tax and Via Artis Advisors. Ninja Tune was advised on the transaction by Jeremy Tracey and Mando Chastouki of Casini Corporate Finance, along with Ed Waldron and Bryce Bartlett of Taylor Wessing.

 

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