Bertelsmann Music Group - Concord

MN-75023

Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA (**Bertelsmann**) proposes to merge its music publishing and recording business, Bertelsmann Music Group (**BMG**), with the music publishing and recording business operated under the Concord label and trademark (**Concord**), which is currently majority owned and controlled by Axton Holdings, LLC (**Axton**). The proposed merger transaction will involve Bertelsmann and Axton incorporating a new holding company (**New MusicCo**), to which both Bertelsmann – via subsidiaries comprising BMG – and Axton via Concord will contribute their respective music recording and publishing businesses (the **Merger**). Bertelsmann is a German multinational media corporation. BMG is the music publishing and music recording division of Bertelsmann. In Australia, BMG acquires rights from songwriters and composers and supplies music publishing services and recorded music products. Concord is an independent, US-based music publishing and recording company supporting artists globally. In Australia, Concord supplies music publishing services and recorded music products.

Status

Assessment completed

Determination

Approved

Stage

Phase 1 - initial assessment

Notified

18 June 2026

Acquirers

  • Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA
  • Axton Holdings, LLC

Targets

  • BMG LP [New MusicCo]
  • BMG Rights Management (US), LLC
  • Alchemy Copyrights LLC
  • Reinhard Mohn Nederland B.V. (formerly ROW HoldCo B.V.)