The Orchard Launches OPEN, a New Physical Distribution Network

German physical music distribution companies SPV Distribution and Membran have merged to form OPEN (Orchard Physical European Distribution Network GmbH). The company will operate under The Orchard.

The details:

• As per Music Business Worldwide, The Orchard will co-own OPEN with hard rock label Napalm Records, which previously owned SPV Distribution.

• SPV’s recorded music labels are different to SPV Distribution, and they remain fully owned by Napalm and serviced by OPEN.

• In a statement The Orchard said: “This strategic alliance [between SPV Distribution and Membran] significantly expands one of the world’s largest independent record distribution networks, bolstering scale and reach across the UK, Europe, and Asia for online retail, direct mail order, and brick-and-mortar outlets.”

Key staff:

• Current Managing Director of SPV Frank Uhle will lead OPEN as Managing Director.

• Michael Kirschnick, Senior Finance Director for The Orchard GmbH, will also oversee finance and accounting operations for OPEN.

• Manlio Celotti will remain a key senior consultant to The Orchard, supporting high-level client and account relationships and advising on strategic and operational issues.

What they said:

• Frank Uhle: “By bringing together the strengths of SPV and Membran, we are establishing a formidable network that ensures our artists and labels receive unparalleled content implementation, supply chain optimization, and expanded label services, all powered by The Orchard’s robust ecosystem.”