Sony Music UK has acquired London-based merchandise company, Kontraband.
The British company is run by Paul Entwistle and Justin Smith who have more than 20 years of experience, covering every aspect of merchandise sales, production and distribution globally.
Kontraband has handled the merchandise for an impressive roster of artists including Camila Cabello, Kylie, Iggy Pop, Bring Me The Horizon, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Happy Mondays, Paolo Nutini, PJ Harvey, The Streets, Keane and many more.
The past 12 months have seen significant consolidation in the global merchandise business. In January Universal Music Group bought Los Angeles-based merch maker Epic Rights – a deal which itself arrived just three months after Warner acquired German merch and e-commerce company EMP for $180m.
Kontraband’s acquisition by Sony Music UK also follows last month’s deal in which Sony Music’s US merchandising division, The Thread Shop, acquired the music merch division of The Araca Group for an undisclosed fee.
Sony Music UK says that the acquisition of Kontraband will enhance and strengthen its presence in “this growing area of the music business” and will see Kontraband working collaboratively with each of Sony Music’s labels and their artist rosters.
Kontraband will also work closely with The Thread Shop.
As a result of the acquisition, Kontraband will relocate from its office in London’s Finsbury Park to the Sony Music headquarters in Kensington.
“We are continuously looking for ways to diversify our business and the acquisition of Kontraband allows us to help our artists enhance their brand and deliver new and exciting commercial opportunities.”
Nicola Tuer, Sony Music UK
Nicola Tuer, COO of Sony Music UK and Ireland said: “We are continuously looking for ways to diversify our business and the acquisition of Kontraband allows us to help our artists enhance their brand and deliver new and exciting commercial opportunities.”
“Kontraband’s reputation was made by approaching merchandise in an innovative and creative manner and we’re looking forward to continuing to deliver this for artists on the Sony Music roster.”
Paul Entwistle, Kontraband
Paul Entwistle, Director of Kontraband added: “We’re hugely excited about joining the Sony Music family. From the very start of our conversations, there was a very clear vision about the role merchandise would play alongside their other services, so it’s a massive opportunity for us to be able to integrate as part of this.
“Kontraband’s reputation was made by approaching merchandise in an innovative and creative manner and we’re looking forward to continuing to deliver this for artists on the Sony Music roster.”Music Business Worldwide
