Sony Music UK has acquired full-service merchandise company Kontraband. The deal will bolster the major’s presence in a growing area of the business.
Following the acquisition, Kontraband will work collaboratively with Sony Music’s labels and their artist rosters, as well as teaming up with its US merch operation, The Thread Shop.
Nicola Tuer, COO of Sony Music UK and Ireland, said: “We are continuously looking for ways to diversify our business and the acquisition of Kontraband allows us to help our artists enhance their brand and deliver new and exciting commercial opportunities.”
The British merchandise company is run by Paul Entwistle and Justin Smith, who have more than 20 years’ experience, covering every aspect of merchandise sales, production and distribution globally. Kontraband has handled the merchandise for artists including Camila Cabello, Kylie Minogue, Iggy Pop, Bring Me The Horizon, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Happy Mondays, Paolo Nutini, PJ Harvey, The Streets, Keane and more.
The acquisition of Kontraband allows us to help our artists enhance their brand
Nicola Tuer
Paul Entwistle, director of Kontraband, said: “We're hugely excited about joining the Sony Music family. From the very start of our conversations, there was a very clear vision about the role merchandise would play alongside their other services, so it’s a massive opportunity for us to be able to integrate as part of this. Kontraband's reputation was made by approaching merchandise in an innovative and creative manner and we're looking forward to continuing to deliver this for artists on the Sony Music roster."
As a result of the acquisition, Kontraband will relocate from their office in London’s Finsbury Park to the Sony Music headquarters in Kensington.
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