Virgin Music Group to Acquire Downtown Music Holdings in $775 Million Deal

The acquisition aims to expand services for independent artists and labels, with completion expected in late 2025 pending regulatory approval.

Virgin Music Group, a division of Universal Music Group, announced the acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings for $775 million.
Downtown Music Holdings, founded in 2007, provides services including music publishing, distribution, royalties, and financial services to over 4 million creators globally.
The deal is positioned as an investment in the independent music ecosystem, with plans to enhance services like digital and physical distribution, royalties management, and business intelligence.
Both companies will operate independently until the deal closes in the second half of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.
Concerns over industry consolidation have been raised, emphasizing the need for balanced negotiating power to ensure fair opportunities for independent artists and labels.