France’s long-standing independent Naïve is on the verge of a sale to a large-scale buyer, according to MBW sources.
The most likely candidate at this stage is BMG, although Warner Music Group are believed to have made a late bid to acquire the business.
UPDATE: Although MBW understands BMG and Warner have made enquiries about a possible sale of Naive in France, we now understand both parties are yet to table a solid bid.
Naïve, run by Patrick Zelnik in Paris, dubs itself ‘a haven for eclectic and non-conformist artists‘.
It has both a classic/jazz catalogue and a pop roster in France, which includes the likes of M83, Anthony Joseph (pictured), Marianne Faithfull, We Have Band, The Dandy Warhols and Liars.
Naïve, which was founded in 1997, has also released records by the likes of Asian Dub Foundation, Jude, Pink Martini and Serafin.Music Business Worldwide