Concord Acquires Influential Indie Label Ninja Tune

Concord, the major independent music company, has acquired the prominent UK-based indie label, Ninja Tune. The acquisition will see Ninja Tune’s roster and employees folded into the Concord ecosystem.

The deal:

• The move is intended to expand Concord’s presence in Europe and the UK while providing further support to Ninja Tune.

• Ninja Tune’s current leadership will continue to oversee operations in its current US and UK offices.

• Ninja Tune’s publishing wing, Just Isn’t Music, and roster of songwriters, composers, and producers are included in the deal.

• Ninja Tune has signed notable artists such as Thundercat, ODESZA, Kamasi Washington, Little Dragon, Tycho, and more.

• Ninja Tune administers the publishing of most of these artists’ releases via Just Isn’t Music.

What they said:

• Concord CEO Bob Valentine: “Over three decades, the team at Ninja Tune has built a label dedicated to independent artistry. Their amazing roster and the team’s ambition to continue to grow Ninja Tune seamlessly align with our vision for Concord’s expanding frontline reach. These attributes, alongside the opportunity to greatly expand Concord’s UK and European operations, made this acquisition an obvious strategic fit. I am eager to see our collective vision take form.”

• Ninja Tune founders Coldcut (Matt Black and Jon More): “It is an artist’s prerogative and responsibility to be dissatisfied with what one already knows. To, with sadness, kiss it goodbye and joyfully begin fishing again. Partnering with Concord ensures the culture and ethos that make the label so unique remain, whilst bringing mad Ninja energy and innovation forward."