New York-based Reservoir is now firmly established as one of the ascendant independent music rightsholders of the modern age – and it’s just grown again.
MBW has discovered that Reservoir has agreed a deal to bring storied US music publisher Shapiro Bernstein into its ranks, acquiring over 16,000 copyrights in the process.
Those copyrights include songs recorded by The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Michael Jackson, Edith Piaf, Patsy Cline, Bob Dylan, Carly Simon, Elton John, and many more.
Sources close to the deal told us that it represents “a huge move in publishing” and is likely the biggest acquisition in Reservoir’s history – though the company would not be drawn on a number when contacted by MBW.
It’s certainly the biggest deal we’ve seen from Reservoir since August last year, when MBW broke the news that it had acquired iconic record label Chrysalis by bringing UK-based Blue Raincoat Music into its ranks.
The new deal will see Shapiro Bernstein’s catalog and global administration network integrate into Reservoir, with an eye towards adding further value to the catalog through Reservoir’s global sync, creative, and marketing teams.
In addition, the two companies will work together to identify new catalogs and creative opportunities to pursue through a new joint venture agreement.
Founded in New York’s Tin Pan Alley in 1900, Shapiro Bernstein is home to valuable evergreen songs such as In The Mood, made famous by Glenn Miller, plus Rockin’ Robin (performed by Michael Jackson), Let There Be Love (Peggy Lee / Nat King Cole), Ring of Fire (Johnny Cash), Little Bitty Pretty One (Thurston Harris) and Papa Loves Mambo (Perry Como).
According to Shapiro Bernstein’s own playlists, it also represents cuts in more recent hits such as I Gotta Feeling (Black Eyed Peas), Lose Control (Missy Elliot) and Crush (Jennifer Paige).
“It is with enormous pride that we have found a partner in Reservoir, another family-owned, independent company, for the next chapter of this legacy.”
Michael Brettler, Shapiro Bernstein
Shapiro Bernstein President Michael Brettler, the fourth-generation leader in the company’s history, told MBW: “Since the beginning, my family has built and overseen a catalog of incredibly special songs and legendary songwriters that has stood the test of time.
“It is with enormous pride that we have found a partner in Reservoir, another family-owned, independent company, for the next chapter of this legacy.”
“There is no other catalog like this in the world.”
Reservoir Founder and CEO Golnar Khosrowshahi commented: “There is no other catalog like this in the world.
“The quality of the music is unparalleled and includes some of the greatest songs ever created, and ones which are so deeply woven into the fabric of popular culture and history throughout the last 120 years.”
Reservoir President and COO Rell Lafargue added: “It is an honor to have been chosen to be the caretakers of such important copyrights and one which we do not take lightly.
“It is an honor to have been chosen to be the caretakers of such important copyrights and one which we do not take lightly.”
Rell Lafargue, Reservoir
“We look forward to working with Michael, his brother Doug Brettler, and the members of the Shapiro Bernstein team who are joining Reservoir to find new creative avenues and opportunities for this rich catalog and its songwriters.
“Together, we will ensure that the music continues to live on and inspire generations for many years to come.”
Thanks to a historical deal with Columbia Pictures, Shapiro Bernstein also controls movie scores such as The Bridge on the River Kwai and Lawrence of Arabia.
The firm additionally counts hits performed by David Guetta, Corinne Bailey Rae, and Joywave amongst its catalog of contemporary copyrights.
