It’s been an integral part of Hipgnosis’ identity since the innovative music rights company launched in 2018: a black-and-white elephant brand designed by the legendary Storm Thorgerson.
However, MBW understands that the logo, as well as the Hipgnosis name itself, will soon be history as management plans to drastically change the company’s image.
We’re told the move is intended to reflect the new structure of Hipgnosis’ business following the privatization of the public company Hipgnosis Song Fund.
Regular MBW readers know that black stoneAlready the majority shareholder of Hipgnosis Song Management, in July it acquired the Hipgnosis Songs Fund from HSF’s public shareholders in a $1.584 billion deal.
Since then, HSF 40,000 songs Merged with private company Hipgnosis song capital (aka Hipgnosis song assets) – owns copyrights related to Leonard Cohen, Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber, Nelly Furtado and Kenny Chesney – as well as investment advisers, Hipgnosis song management.
Previously three distinct entities, they now operate as a single business under: Ben Katofsky. Founder of Hypnos Merck Resigned from the company in July.
(Now the two are merged Hipgnosis Copyright PortfolioAccording to recent company announcements, it is worth more than US$3 billionincluding many of “the most successful and culturally important songs of all time.”)
“Changes are needed as the group now operates as a conglomerate rather than a management company advising two funds.”
Hypnos source
MBW understandperception Plan reflects the unification of two previously separate portfolios of the Manager and Hipgnosis (Hipgnosis Song Fund and Hipgnosis song assets) under a single new name.
We’re told internal discussions on the matter are well underway and a new name is expected to be announced early this year.
sources revealed MBW On the planned name and branding changes: “The changes are required because the group now operates as a conglomerate rather than a management company advising the two funds.
“The existing name no longer accurately reflects the structure of the business.”
Hipgnosis is understood to have been in talks with all three major music companies and its biggest rivals over potential multi-territory publishing management partnerships for the London-based company’s restored catalog, MBW reported in August.
Discussions are at an early stage Hipnos Still considering what a new arrangement might look like, or whether to continue the current one, at least for the time being, the source said.
in other ways Hipnos Sources say MBW understands that while the music M&A market remains slow (relative to its heyday of 2018-2022), the company is ready to buy a new catalog… and potentially its entire rights portfolio when the opportunity arises.
“Hipgnosis is understood to have recently held talks with the three major music companies, as well as their largest competitors, regarding potential multi-territory publishing management partnerships for the company’s restored catalogue.”
a source told MBW: “Not everyone [music copyright M&A] Space has capabilities or long-term ambitions Hipnos.
“In the next few years there will be opportunities [to buy] and work Hipnos Everything it has done to its platform over the past two years means it will be ready and able to take advantage of this.
It is reported MBW Last month, the company, which is still known as Hipgnosis song management Been recruiting lately.
Last week the company announced it had promoted London-based Sarah Lord to Chief Creative Officer.
Ben Katofsky Lorde said: “Sara has an outstanding track record and an incredible understanding of the creative industries. Hipgnosis has many of the world’s most iconic songs and as we seek to bring them to a wider audience, we are at the forefront of Building partnerships between these creative industries is a key part of our strategy.
“Sara is uniquely qualified to forge these partnerships while working closely with our songwriters and artists.”global music business
