Sony Music Entertainment has acquired Supraphon, one of the oldest record labels in the Czech Republic.
Founded in 1932, the Czech music company’s music catalog spans a variety of genres including classical, jazz, pop, rock and spoken word music.
Daniel Lieberberg, president of Europe and Africa at Sony Music Entertainment, confirmed the deal today (January 14).
According to IFPI data, the recorded music industry in the Czech Republic produced $84.1 million By 2023, streaming will account for $50.5 million This number – represents 60.1% market.
Streaming has increased 18.1% Year-on-year.
Libor Holeček, currently Managing Director of Supraphon, will continue to run the company after the acquisition, while Martin Kudla will continue as Executive Director.
Iva Milerová, former Chairman of the Supraphon Board of Directors, will remain with the company in an advisory capacity.
Supraphon brings to Sony a lineup that includes Karel Gott, Lucie Bílá and Marek Ztracený, as well as Pavel Classical artists such as the Pavel Haas Quartet and the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.
The fact that Czech-language artists accounted for seven of the top ten albums in the region in 2023 is a testament to the influence of domestic tracks in the region.
Sony said today that the acquisition marks a significant expansion of the company’s business in Central Europe.
“Supraphon is a cornerstone of Czech musical heritage, with a treasured repertoire and commitment to promoting Czech and Slovak talent, which perfectly aligns with Sony Music’s dedication to artist development.”
Daniel Lieberberg
Speaking about the acquisition, Lieberberg said: “Supraphon is a cornerstone of Czech musical heritage, with a valuable repertoire and commitment to promoting Czech and Slovak talent, which perfectly aligns with Sony Music’s dedication to artist development.
“We are honored to welcome Supraphon to the company and look forward to leveraging our global expertise, resources and influence to help local artists. Together we will celebrate and elevate Czech music on the international stage.
Sony’s Supraphon deal marks the company’s latest M&A move in Europe.
Last month, it acquired cobalt musicone of the most famous independent music labels in Greece. The investment marks a rebuilding of the company Sony Music Entertainment Greece.
The company’s latest deal comes after Sony Music Group Chairman Rob Stringer made comments about Sony’s M&A strategy during a speech at the Sony Group’s annual business unit meeting in May 2024. Positive major music group,” Stringer said.
Sony’s M&A strategy also focuses on emerging markets. Stringer revealed in May that Sony Music “recently acquired Spain’s top independent record label” Altafonte” “We are now in our second year of Brazilian brand integration,” he added. as river”.
Brazil’s competition regulator CADE (Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica) has approved Sony Music’s acquisition of Som Livre, the owner of Brazil’s largest domestic record label, for $255 million in 2022.global music business
