


Sony Music Acquires Germany’s F.A.M.E. Recordings
Plans a series of re-releases to revitalize the label’s catalog
Sony Music Germany has acquired Munich-headquartered label F.A.M.E. Recordings.
Backstory:
F.A.M.E. Recordings was founded in 2001 by drummer Curt Cress and former BMG Ariola A&R exec Tom Büscher.
It released projects from artists such as The Seer, Stefan Jürgens, Schandmaul, Feuerschwanz and more.
Prior to acquiring the business, Sony Music was the label’s exclusive distributor for 15 years.
Moving forward:
The deal signals the end of F.A.M.E.’s active operations and new releases.
Sony Music Germany’s Vice President of Catalog, Thorsten Sack, says the focus now will be on revitalizing F.A.M.E.’s catalog with special edition reissues.
Former MD Antje Zelnitschek and Product Manager Matej Bellus will provide their expertise to Sony on a freelance basis.
Sony Music Germany has acquired Munich-headquartered label F.A.M.E. Recordings.
Backstory:
F.A.M.E. Recordings was founded in 2001 by drummer Curt Cress and former BMG Ariola A&R exec Tom Büscher.
It released projects from artists such as The Seer, Stefan Jürgens, Schandmaul, Feuerschwanz and more.
Prior to acquiring the business, Sony Music was the label’s exclusive distributor for 15 years.
Moving forward:
The deal signals the end of F.A.M.E.’s active operations and new releases.
Sony Music Germany’s Vice President of Catalog, Thorsten Sack, says the focus now will be on revitalizing F.A.M.E.’s catalog with special edition reissues.
Former MD Antje Zelnitschek and Product Manager Matej Bellus will provide their expertise to Sony on a freelance basis.
Sony Music Germany has acquired Munich-headquartered label F.A.M.E. Recordings.
Backstory:
F.A.M.E. Recordings was founded in 2001 by drummer Curt Cress and former BMG Ariola A&R exec Tom Büscher.
It released projects from artists such as The Seer, Stefan Jürgens, Schandmaul, Feuerschwanz and more.
Prior to acquiring the business, Sony Music was the label’s exclusive distributor for 15 years.
Moving forward:
The deal signals the end of F.A.M.E.’s active operations and new releases.
Sony Music Germany’s Vice President of Catalog, Thorsten Sack, says the focus now will be on revitalizing F.A.M.E.’s catalog with special edition reissues.
Former MD Antje Zelnitschek and Product Manager Matej Bellus will provide their expertise to Sony on a freelance basis.
Sony Music Germany
F.A.M.E. Recordings
Curt Cress
Tom Büscher
BMG Ariola
Thorsten Sack
Antje Zelnitschek
Matej Bellus
Schandmaul
Feuerschwanz
Music Industry Acquisitions
Legacy Label Revivals and Closures
Cultural Preservation Through Acquisition
Independent Label Consolidation
Major Label Acquires Indie Powerhouse
Music Catalog Acquisitions
Mergers & Acquisitions
Record Labels
Catalog Sales
Catalog Management
Label Closure
Germany
Munich, DE
👋 Disclosures & Transparency Block
This story was written with information from Music Business Worldwide and Digital Music News.
We covered it because it’s news of a label acquisition.
📨 Subscribe to NIF
Get news dropped in your inbox 👇
📨 Subscribe to NIF
Get news dropped in your inbox 👇
Related Articles

Deals & Signings
Jan 22, 2026
1 min read
Believe UK and Tileyard Launch Tenace Records
Pale Waves announced as debut signing

Deals & Signings
Jan 22, 2026
1 min read
Concord Invests in Azoff Company’s Indie Label, Giant Music
Giant enters global distribution deal with Stem

Deals & Signings
Jan 22, 2026
1 min read
Universal Poised For EU Green Light On Downtown Acquisition
Sources with knowledge of the situation report the deal will go ahead

Believe UK and Tileyard Launch Tenace Records
Pale Waves announced as debut signing

Rod Yates
Deals
Jan 22, 2026

Concord Invests in Azoff Company’s Indie Label, Giant Music
Giant enters global distribution deal with Stem

Rod Yates
Deals
Jan 22, 2026

Universal Poised For EU Green Light On Downtown Acquisition
Sources with knowledge of the situation report the deal will go ahead

Rod Yates
Deals
Jan 22, 2026

Def Jam Recordings Expands Into China
The new office will open in Chengdu, commonly known as “the capital of Chinese hip-hop”

Harry Levin
Deals
Jan 21, 2026

NetEase Cloud Music, UMG Strike Multi-Year China Licensing Deal
Includes “artist-centric provisions and terms” covering AI

Rod Yates
Deals
Jan 21, 2026

Udio Signs New AI Licensing Agreement with Merlin
The major AI startup also recently signed deals with UMG and WMG

Harry Levin
Deals
Jan 20, 2026





