Universal Music LLC (Head Office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Fujikura Nao / hereinafter referred to as Universal Music) is pleased to announce that it has agreed to a share transfer agreement with Amuse Inc. (Head Office: Fujikawaguchiko-cho, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture; Representative Director and President: Nakagi Masaki; hereinafter referred to as Amuse) to transfer all shares of A-Sketch Inc. (Head Office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Soma Nobuyuki / hereinafter referred to as A-Sketch), owned by Amuse, to Universal Music.
Contents of the share transfer
Universal Music acquires 66% of the outstanding shares of A-Sketch and becomes the largest shareholder of the company. The share acquisition transaction is expected to be completed after fulfilling approval from the relevant regulatory authorities and other general closing prerequisites.
Background and purpose of stock acquisition
In the music business where trends are changing rapidly, discovering new talent and enriching a repertoire of music is essential for continuous growth. This acquisition of shares will allow us to increase the number of creators and artists that are particularly popular among the younger generation, and to provide content that appeals to them even more. In addition, the management functions will be enhanced, allowing us to provide rich content.
Furthermore, we provide measures to strengthen connections between artists with many fans and new fans, and by utilizing our global network, we can support artists and creators in global expansion. We aim to create hits by utilizing the know-how in discovering, cultivating and supporting artists from both companies.
With this acquisition of shares, we aim to further grow and develop while taking advantage of the strengths of both companies.
Comment from Soma Nobuyuki, CEO of A-Sketch Co., Ltd.
We are delighted to be joining Universal Music Group, a global leader in the music industry. We hope that A-Sketch artists will be able to gain great opportunities, including expanding overseas, and that new synergies will be created in terms of creative aspects.
Comment from Fujikura Nao, President and CEO of Universal Music LLC
We are extremely pleased to welcome A-Sketch, which has many expressive and unique artists, into our Universal Music Group. Through our global network and the passionate thoughts of our staff, we look forward to increasing the value of our A-Sketch artists and bringing them to more fans both in Japan and abroad.
A-Sketch Co., Ltd.
Established in 2008 as a joint venture between Amuse Co., Ltd. and KDDI Co., Ltd., the company operates mainly in music labels and artist management.
In addition to planning and producing musical works, we carry out a comprehensive range of activities, from discovering artists and creators to developing, producing and managing them. We also manage copyright and master discs for our own music works, and focus on using the works.
Address: 3rd floor, Ninomiya Building, 18-4 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Soma Nobuyuki
Founded in April 2008
Business content: Music label business, artist management
Capital: 450,000,000 yen
Universal Music LLC
Universal Music Group fosters culture with the power that art brings.
He is a world leader in the entertainment field centered around music, and operates a wide range of businesses, including music production, music publishing, merchandising, and video content.
We provide the most comprehensive lineup of musical works covering all genres, discover and nurture artists, and deliver a large number of hit works that are highly acclaimed around the world.
We place emphasis on artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, and are working to develop services, platforms and new business models that will increase the value of artists and provide new experiences to music fans.
Universal Music LLC is the Japanese subsidiary of Universal Music Group.
Universal Music Group www.universalmusic.com
Universal Music LLC https://www.universal-music.co.jp/
