International law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is advising BMG Rights Management, the music rights management group, in relation to the acquisitions of Sanctuary Records and Mute Records from Universal Music Group.
These acquisitions result from the European Commission's order for Universal Music to dispose of assets following its purchase of EMI Recorded Music. Completion is subject to regulatory clearances.

BMG, a partnership between the international media company Bertelsmann and the global private equity firm KKR, is the fourth biggest international player in the music industry. The Sanctuary Records Catalogue includes over 170,000 recordings from legends such as Black Sabbath, Motorhead, Iron Maiden, the Kinks and Status Quo. The Mute catalogue includes recordings by Depeche Mode, Yazoo, Nick Cave, Moby and Goldfrapp.

Corporate partner Tim Wilmot is leading the Freshfields team supported by IP partner Andrew Craig.

http://www.freshfields.com/en/news/Freshfields_advises_BMG_Rights_Manag…