Downtown Music Publishing has acquired London-based music publisher Eagle-i Music – and is subsequently expanding its UK operations.
Eagle-i’s Co-Founder and Managing Director, Roberto Neri (pictured, left), has been named Managing Director of Downtown UK.
Neri co-founded Eagle-i Music in 2011 as a division of Eagle Rock Entertainment.
When its parent firm was acquired by Universal Music Group in April last year, Eagle-i went fully independent under Neri’s charge.
In its short history, the company has secured rights to songwriters and catalogues such as BA Robertson, Brian Jonestown Massacre and Deep Purple.
“I’m excited to become part of downtown. Their balance of creativity and technology has brought them to the forefront.”
Roberto Neri
Eagle-i was backed by venture capital firm Beringea LLP, which has accepted an exit via Downtown’s acquisition.
Prior to Eagle-i, Neri served as Group Vice President, International and General Manager of Bug Music UK.
He began his career in music rights with PRS in 1999.
Neri said: “I am excited to now be part of Downtown, their balance of creativity and technology has brought them to the forefront of the industry.
“I would like to thank Beringea, Simon Hosken, Terry Shand and Geoff Kempin and wish them well in the future. “
Downtown UK will also be welcoming Eagle-i’s Head of Administration, Joe Woolmore, Sync Coordinator Luke Montague and Creative Coordinator Ninon Coletti into the fold.
The team will be joining Downtown UK’s A&R Manager, Tom Graham.
“I’m thrilled to welcome roberto and the team to downtown as we expand our operations in London.”
In addition to acquiring Eagle-i’s music publishing assets, Downtown is also acquiring the company’s neighbouring rights and production library businesses and will be integrating those operations across its global network.
“As a company, we have been fortunate to represent many of the UK’s most inspiring songwriters and publishers,” said Downtown CEO Justin Kalifowitz (pictured, right).
“British music has not only made a huge impact on our business, but continues to enrich our lives.
“With that in mind, I’m thrilled to welcome Roberto and the team to Downtown as we expand our operations in London.”
Downtown Music Publishing runs offices in New York, Amsterdam, London, Los Angeles and Nashville.
Established in 2007, catalogues in Downtown’s portfolio include the works of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, celebrated film composer Hans Zimmer, singer/songwriter Randy Newman and the pop band One Direction.
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