UMG Enters Strategic Partnership with Thai Music Company S1

Universal Music Group (UMG) has entered a strategic partnership with Thai music distribution and publishing services business, S1.

What it means:

• As per Music Week, S1 and its network of content partners will benefit from UMG’s global scale.

• UMG will become a significant minority investor in S1.

• The new partnership builds on earlier collaborations between S1, Virgin Music Group and Universal Music Publishing Group.

Backstory:

• Founded in 2001 by CEO Karlcharn Kongkatong and Co-Founder Apsornsopha Sariman, S1 has been a major force in Thailand’s digital music sector for more than 20 years.

• In 2017 the launch of D1 broadened the group’s capabilities in publishing, royalty administration, rights management and IP development.

• The integrated companies now offer services spanning distribution, publishing, production, licensing and artist services.

• The company also operates advanced production facilities, including Dolby Atmos studios, and audience monetization systems.

What they said:

• Calvin Wong, CEO of Universal Music Southeast Asia & Korea & SVP, Asia: “This partnership reflects our continuous commitment to Thai music and is an exciting next step in our strategy to expand our presence in high-growth markets. We are delighted to work closely with Karl, a visionary entrepreneur who has built the largest local distribution in Thailand and together take S1 to the next level.”

• Karlcharn Kongkatong, CEO of S1 and D1: “This partnership is an important step for the future of Thai music. By combining S1’s digital distribution and production expertise, D1’s publishing and rights management capabilities, and UMG’s global network, we are creating a stronger platform to bring Thai artists, creators, and intellectual property to audiences worldwide.”