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Global music company BMG and investment firm KKR have acquired the entire music interests of iconic American rock band ZZ Top. This acquisition encompasses the band's publishing catalogue and royalties from recorded and performance income. The partnership aims to enhance the legacy of ZZ Top and maximize the value of their catalogue. This transaction follows a prior collaboration between BMG and KKR announced in March 2021, emphasizing their commitment to the growing music IP market.
Positive
Acquisition enhances BMG and KKR's portfolio in music rights.
ZZ Top's strong legacy with over 50 million albums sold supports potential revenue growth.
Continued collaboration expected to amplify the reach and value of ZZ Top's music catalog.
Negative
None.
BERLIN & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Global music company BMG and global investment firm KKR today announced that they have acquired the entire music interests of American rock icons ZZ Top.
Credit: Ross Halfin
The transaction marks the latest significant music rights deal the two companies have struck together since announcing in March 2021 that they would join forces in the fast-growing market for music IP.
The ZZ Top agreement includes a buyout of the band’s publishing catalogue and their income from recorded royalties and performance royalties. Previously, BMG served as co-publisher and administrator of ZZ Top’s publishing catalog.
In 1971, Billy Gibbons (guitar, vocals), Dusty Hill (bass, keys, vocals), and Frank Beard (drums) released their debut album ZZ Top’s First Album. They would go on to release a total of 15 albums throughout the course of their 50 year career including the commercial breakthrough Tres Hombres (1973), Platinum-certified Degüello (1979), Gold-certified El Loco (1981), smash-hit Diamond-certified Eliminator (1983), 5x Platinum-certified Afterburner (1985), and the Platinum-certified Recycler (1990) and Antenna (1994).
Selling over 50 million albums worldwide, ZZ Top have earned four Gold, three Platinum, two multiple-Platinum album certifications, and one Diamond album. Known for their distinctive look and unabashed blues-rock inspired sound, the success of the group was driven by six #1 Rock singles and eight Top 40 hits including rock music staples ‘La Grange,’ ‘Tush,’ ‘Cheap Sunglasses,’ ‘Gimme All Your Lovin,’’ ‘Legs,’ ‘Got Me Under Pressure,’ and ‘Sharp Dressed Man,’ among many others.
In 2004, the group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and their recently released documentary That Little Ol’ Band From Texas received a nomination for Best Music Film at the 2021 Grammy Awards.
ZZ Top manager Carl Stubner of Shelter Music Group said, “We are proud to continue working with and expand our long-standing relationship with BMG. This new deal ensures ZZ Top’s remarkable legacy will endure for generations to come.”
BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch said, “This deal is a testament to the success, staying power and continuing musical relevance of ZZ Top, but also to the power of our partnership with KKR. This agreement furthers our vision of providing artists and songwriters not just a financial exit, but also a vehicle committed to respecting and treasuring their artistry.”
Jenny Box, Partner at KKR, said, “We are excited to invest in ZZ Top’s iconic music and we look forward to collaborating with BMG and ZZ Top to further amplify the reach of their catalogue.”
KKR is investing in the catalogue through its private credit investment funds and vehicles and will own its interest in the music through its recently launched Chord Music Partners platform. Latham & Watkins LLP served as advisor to KKR on the transaction.
About BMG Founded in 2008, BMG is both record label and music publisher in one, the first new global player in the music business of the streaming age. Named in 2020 one of the world’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company, BMG’s pitch is unique – a relentless focus on fairness and transparency and service to its artist and songwriter clients. BMG’s 19 offices across 12 core music markets now represent over 3m songs and recordings, and thousands of artists and songwriters attracted by its fresh approach which now includes production music, film and books as well as music publishing and recordings. BMG is owned by international media, services and education company Bertelsmann, whose other content businesses include the broadcaster RTL Group, the trade book publisher Penguin Random House and the magazine publisher Gruner + Jahr. With its multi-platform perspective, integrated technology platform and commitment to help artists maximize their income, BMG aims to be the best company in music to do business with. www.bmg.com
About KKR
KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management and capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people, and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKR’s insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of The Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKR’s investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKR’s website at www.kkr.com and on Twitter @KKR_Co.
For KKR:
Cara Major or Miles Radcliffe-Trenner media@kkr.com
Source: KKR
FAQ
What did KKR acquire from ZZ Top?
KKR, in partnership with BMG, acquired the entire music interests of ZZ Top, including their publishing catalogue and income from recorded and performance royalties.
When was the KKR and BMG partnership announced?
The partnership between KKR and BMG was announced in March 2021, focusing on opportunities in the music IP market.
How does the acquisition affect KKR's investment strategy?
KKR is investing in the ZZ Top catalogue through its private credit investment funds, aiming to enhance the value of their music assets.
What is the significance of ZZ Top's music catalog?
ZZ Top's music catalog is significant due to their extensive sales of over 50 million albums and their iconic status in rock music.
Who are the key people involved in the KKR and BMG acquisition?
Key figures include KKR Partner Jenny Box and BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch, who spoke on the potential impact of the acquisition.
