Round Hill has officially closed its acquisition of independent publisher Carlin Music, MBW has learned.
The deal, believed to be worth in the region of $240m, brings over 100,000 copyrights to private equity-backed Round Hill, including classics made famous by the likes of Elvis Presley (pictured), Meatloaf, James Brown, AC/DC and Billie Holliday.
These songs include the likes of “Are You Lonesome Tonight”, “Fever”, “Happy Together”, “I Got You (I Feel Good)”, ”The Twist”, “La Bamba”, “Chantilly Lace”, “Under the Boardwalk”, “What A Wonderful World”, “Splish Splash”, “Lollipop”, “Total Eclipse of The Heart”, “Paradise By the Dashboard Light”, “Owner of A Lonely Heart”, “Hard To Handle” and “Video Killed The Radio Star”, among many others.
The deal is for the whole of Carlin Music, comprised of Carlin America, Carlin U.K. and E.B Marks Music.
Carlin also owns the rights to Christmas classics such as “Santa Baby”, “Jingle Bell Rock”, “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”, as well as standout Broadway and classical music such as the scores to Fiddler on the Roof, Cabaret, Company, Follies, Godspell and the compositions of classical composers William Bolcom and Norman Dello Joio.
“Although the sale of the Carlin group of companies ends my family’s involvement with the iconic songs I grew up with, I am confident that Round Hill Music is the best possible new steward of our catalogue.”
Caroline Bienstock, Carlin
Founded in 1966 by Freddy Bienstock, Carlin expanded its catalog over time through various acquisitions including Belinda Music, TM Music/Faithful Virtue Music (which published the songs of Bobby Darin, Tim Hardin and John Sebastian), the music publishing interests of the New York Times (which managed popular Broadway musicals) Edward B. Marks Music Co. (publishers of Billie Holiday, Ernesto Lecuona, and Jim Steinman) and others.
Freddy Bienstock passed away in 2009 and since then Carlin has been run by his daughter Caroline Bienstock.
Richard Rowe, Vice Chairman of US-based Round Hill Music, said: “Every now and again you get the chance to acquire something very special. In this case, it is Carlin Music. It was built over many years by Freddy Bienstock, a legend in the business, and we at Round Hill are very proud to take over this remarkable catalog representing decades of hit songs, and continue the wonderful job done by his daughter Caroline and her brother Robert.”
Caroline Bienstock of Carlin Music said: “Although the sale of the Carlin group of companies ends my family’s involvement with the iconic songs I grew up with, I am confident that Round Hill Music is the best possible new steward of our catalogue.
“I firmly believe that they appreciate the special quality of our collection of music every bit as much as we do, and I look forward to seeing our writers thrive under their management. I cannot imagine a better fit, and I’m excited for the future”.
Neil Gillis, President of Round Hill Music added: “What the Bienstock family has built is quite frankly one of the most important and unique music publishing catalogs in the history of the business. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with this catalog in previous career roles and now as the President of Round Hill Music, I could not be more proud to help steer the continuing legacy of these great copyrights.”
And Round Hill CEO Joshua Gruss commented: “Caroline Bienstock has a very deep understanding of this business, and has done a phenomenal job helping to create what Carlin is today. I am honored she and the Bienstock family have entrusted Round Hill with their family business. Because of our focus on super high-quality copyrights, and our ability to service them with lots of personal attention – something these amazing copyrights deserve – Carlin and Round Hill are a great fit.
Michael Selverne and Gunster acted as legal advisors to Round Hill.
Founded by Joshua Gruss along with Richard Rowe and Neil Gillis, Round Hill Music is now considered one of the largest independent music rights company in the world.
Through its various divisions – Zync Powered By Round Hill, Big Loud Bucks Royalty Administration, Round Hill Nashville, Round Hill Records, and its Bosshouse Music Library – Round Hill offers services such as sync licensing, song placements, music production, label services and transparent, accurate global royalty processing and accounting.
Round Hill’s catalog contains music recorded and performed by The Beatles, Eddie Holland, Neil Sedaka, The Rolling Stones, The Offspring, Bruno Mars, Cee Lo Green, Frank Sinatra, James Brown, Bon Jovi, Steve Perry, Louis Armstrong, Tina Turner, Ella Fitzgerald, Celine Dion, Britney Spears and many others.Music Business Worldwide
