Busy Week for Wise Music Group
It’s been a busy week for Wise Music Group.
On Thursday (Jan. 9), we reported that the company had sold its digital education division to a New York-based private equity firm called Reach Partners.
According to yesterday’s announcement, the move marks a “turning point” for Wise Music Group “as it completes its transition to a pure-play music publishing company.”
New Acquisition for Wise Music
Now Wise is doubling down on this new focus with a new acquisition.
Wisdom is a purchase Doblinger Muzikverlag, an Austrian classical music publishing house. The acquisition of Doblinger Muzikverlag includes, according to Wise, “an extensive catalog” of Doblinger’s classical repertoire.
Wise Music plans to maintain Doblinger’s operations in Vienna, which the company says will ensure “continuity for its composers and clients while expanding international opportunities.”
The deal comes less than two years after the company acquired a controlling stake in Published by Peters Group, claiming to be “one of the oldest” music publishers in the world.
Wise Music Group’s publishers also include Chester Music, G. Schirmer, Associated Music Publishers, Novello & Co, Éditions Alphonse Leduc, Première Music, Le Chant du Monde, Edition Wilhelm Hansen, Unión Musical Ediciones, Bosworth Music GmbH, and Campbell Connelly.
Wise Music Group claims to own or control half a million copyrights – including what it calls “the world’s largest independent holding of historical and contemporary classical music.” It also owns the copyrights to popular songs across various genres, including jazz, reggae, blues, pop, and rock.
“This acquisition reaffirms our commitment to developing and promoting the best in classical and contemporary music on a global scale.”
Chris Butler, Wise Music Group
“We are thrilled to welcome Doblinger to the Wise Music family,” said Chris Butler, director of global rights development for Wise Music Group, regarding the acquisition.
“Doblinger has been a cornerstone of Austrian music publishing for almost 150 years, with its outstanding catalog including works by distinguished composers such as Walter Kaufmann, Gottfried von Einem, Friedrich Zerha, Egon Wellesch, and Josef Bier, along with vibrant contemporary voices like Rainer Bischof, Wolfram Wagner, Roland Batik, Jose Cura, Christoph Ehrenfellner, Johanna Doderer, Tomas Skweres, and Tanja Elisa Glinsner.
“This acquisition reaffirms our commitment to developing and promoting the best of classical and contemporary music on a global scale. We are also pleased that Peter Pani will remain as a consultant in Vienna as we begin a new journey together.”
“Joining forces with Wise Music Group marks an exciting new chapter for Doblinger Music Publishers.”
Peter Pani, Doblinger
Peter Pani, Managing Director of Doblinger, added: “Joining forces with Wise Music Group marks an exciting new chapter for Doblinger Music Publishers. Their global reach, depth of experience, and passion for classical music align perfectly with our values. We look forward to working together to ensure our composers’ music reaches new audiences and continues to inspire future generations.”
Wise Music Group acquires Austria-based classical music publisher Doblinger Musikverlag
