The Because Group has acquired Warner Music 90, which includes the majority of the catalogue formerly known as London Records. The deal is part of the Parlophone divestment process between Warner Music Group and Merlin/IMPALA.
With a long history under various owners, London Records also released artists from the Factory catalogue following the Manchester label’s demise. However, the London Records name is not being revived by Because. The catalogue acquisitions will be released under the name London Music Stream, which will operate separately from the Because Music UK office.
The agreement to buy Warner Music 90 means the majority of the London Records catalogue will return to the independent sector. Under the deal, Because Group has acquired dozens of artist catalogues including Bananarama, Happy Mondays, Fine Young Cannibals, Orbital, Jimmy Somerville, Bronski Beat, East 17, Goldie and Shakespears Sister. Former Factory artists including New Order and Joy Division are not part of the agreement.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with a talented group of artists whom I have long admired, and whose music remains relevant today,” said Because founder Emmanuel de Buretel. “It is a great honour to be in a position to build on the legacy of the amazing creative vision established by Roger Ames and Tracy Bennett more than 25 years ago, and take London to a new level. The catalogue includes some incredible hit songs which we intend to revitalise in the digital age.
“The ambition for this company is first to optimise the catalogue of the London artists on a worldwide basis using the resources of Because Music, and then to take the label back to its glory days with fresh ideas and talented people, all while using new opportunities on offer in terms of music, creativity, technology and data.”
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