Hal Leonard LLC buys music & retail divisions of Music Sales

Sheet music experts Hal Leonard LLC has acquired the printed music and Musicroom retail divisions of The Music Sales Group.

The two independents will continue to work together in the future by entering into a global licensing agreement to represent and exploit Music Sales’ copyrights in print.

Commenting on the acquisition deal, Hal Leonard chairman Keith Mardak stated: “We’ve had a long and rewarding relationship with Music Sales over the years and we look forward to that continuing into the future.

“Bob Wise has built an incredible printed music business and we feel privileged to be the new custodians of his many years of hard work.

“Mark Mumford, the managing director of Hal Leonard in Europe, will oversee the integration of the two companies in Europe.”

Music Sales’ chairman and owner Robert Wise added: “Printed music has played a special role in the long history of Music Sales, but our direction of travel has been very clear in recent years as we continue the expansion of our portfolio of copyrights in all styles and genres across the world.

“In making this deal it was important for us to find the right buyer for our printed music business and we are confident that Keith Mardak and his team at Hal Leonard will do a great job with this business in the future.”

Music Sales will retain its books about music imprint business, Omnibus Press.

In the meantime the Sydney operation of Music Sales – one of its nine offices around the world – is continuing to generate activity across various divisions, its managing director Jane English tells TMN.

“The future for Music Sales Australia is to focus 100% on discovering, nurturing, pitching and guiding the careers of our songwriters,” English explained.

“Our synchronisation & licensing and our A&R departments, headed by industry legends Denise Sharp and Larry Heath respectively, will be expanded.”

The Australian and New Zealand operation sees growing success for its signings.

William Barton was a highlight of this week’s Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony with his didgeridoo performance of a medley of his compositions entwined with ‘My Island Home’.

Damien Leith just released his long awaited Storytime app and hits the road for another run of shows on April 20 while collaborating with major songwriters.

Jack Carty who’s relocated to the UK recently finished a residency at Green Note and released a digital only cover record. He returns to tour Australia June/July behind his new release with Gus Gardiner, Hospital Hill.

New Jersey signing Luke Elliot is currently touring Australia.

Terra Lightfoot, signed through a sub-publishing deal with Toronto’s CCS Rights Management, is also playing shows here this month.