BMG

BMG delivered another strong first half in 2026: 8% organic revenue growth, a record 29% EBITDA margin, maintained for a second year, and our highest-ever first-half investment in music rights.    The results reflect the continued progress of our BMG Next strategy – building a more focused, profitable and digital-first music company with the capacity to invest for the long term.    H1 2026 highlights:  ▪Revenue of EUR 444 million, up 8% organically  ▪Operating EBITDA of EUR 127 million, up 4%  ▪Record 29% EBITDA margin maintained  ▪14 music rights acquisitions completed  ▪USD 1.8 billion invested in music rights since 2021 through Bertelsmann’s Boost program    A huge thank you to our teams around the world – and, above all, to the artists and songwriters we have the privilege to represent. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eCGPs_W8

BMG and Suno have announced a global alliance establishing a strategic framework covering BMG’s recorded and music publishing repertoire. The deal is part of Suno's upcoming launch of its first music model developed in partnership with the music industry. Mikey Shulman, Suno co-founder and CEO, said, “We believe the future of music will be more participatory, creating entirely new ways for artists and fans to connect. Building that future responsibly means working directly with the people who make music and the companies that represent them. Together with BMG, we can develop new experiences that give artists and songwriters real choice, generate new revenue, and make music a bigger part of people’s lives.” Celine Joshua, EVP, Global Marketing & Streaming, BMG, said, “The future of AI in music will be defined by whether artists and songwriters remain at the center of the opportunity and share in the value it creates. Choice is the guiding principle. This agreement establishes strong protections, clear economics, and new creative possibilities for artists and their fans. As we enter the era of creation, we look forward to shaping that future together with our creators and Suno.” Full details: https://lnkd.in/dzdT9cZy

BMG has acquired Andrew Stockdale's publishing, recorded music royalties and neighboring rights interests in the catalog of iconic Australian rock band Wolfmother. The acquisition builds on BMG’s long-standing partnership with Stockdale, having served as his global publisher since 2016. As the vocalist, guitarist, co-founder and songwriter of the multi-platinum, GRAMMY Award-winning Wolfmother, Andrew Stockdale has created one of the most distinctive bodies of work in contemporary Australian rock. Over more than two decades, Wolfmother’s music has amassed hundreds of millions of streams and become a mainstay across radio, streaming platforms, live performance, film, television, and gaming. Heath Johns, President, Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia, BMG, said: “Few Australian bands have built a catalog with the global reach, cultural impact and enduring influence of Wolfmother. I signed Andrew to his first publishing deal in 2005, before the band took over the world and two years before they won a GRAMMY. I still have that original demo CD with ‘Woman’, ‘Joker And The Thief’, ‘Dimension’ and ‘White Unicorn’ on my desk.  For Andrew to entrust BMG with his publishing and recorded rights more than 20 years later is a great honor and an incredibly proud moment for the team. Acquisitions with long-term clients are about more than transactional investments, they're a reflection of partnerships built on creativity, trust and consistently delivering beyond expectations.” Full details: https://lnkd.in/guR_g_3z 📸 Marc Blair

BMG is deeply saddened by the tragic attack which took place in Berlin during this year's CSD. Our thoughts are with everyone affected as we stand together with the LGBTQIA+ community.   Last week, colleagues across BMG came together in Berlin for Pride Week, taking part in a series of events designed to bring people together, encourage conversation and learning, and reaffirm our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and valued.   The week culminated in our participation in the Berlin CSD Parade alongside our Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA colleagues as part of the be.queer LGBTIQ -plus- and allies at bertelsmann network, proudly demonstrating under the motto, "Haltung ist hot."    The tragic end to this year's CSD is an unfortunate reminder of why Pride continues to matter – visibility, allyship, and standing up for one another remain as important as ever.   At BMG, we are committed to fostering an environment where diversity helps to drive creativity and innovation, and where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to be themselves – not only during Pride, but every day.   Thank you to everyone who took part in Pride Week and to those who continue to champion inclusion across BMG and beyond.

BMG has signed an exclusive global publishing deal with songwriter, recording artist, and founding member of All Saints, Shaznay Lewis 🎉   The agreement covers Lewis’ entire songwriting catalog, including both her existing works and future compositions.   Shaznay Lewis said: “I am delighted to begin a new chapter with BMG, which will house my catalog and future songs, and to create new writing opportunities and projects. I’m excited to get started!” Ciara Newell - Bailey, Senior Director, Creative (Publishing), BMG, said: “It’s a real honor to sign Shaznay to BMG. I’m deeply grateful she’s entrusted her catalog and future works to us. I’m looking forward to creating new opportunities for her music and continuing to build on her incredible legacy.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/dqTVQzSq   📸 (c) BMG | L-R: Wayne Russell (Massive Management), Shaznay Lewis, Ciara Newell - Bailey (BMG), Pippa Wealthall (Massive Management) / (c) Oscar Ryan

The Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) has announced the nominees for its 44th annual awards, with BMG artists securing multiple nominations and BMG Canada receiving its first-ever nomination for Record Company of the Year. After clinching the award for two consecutive years, BMG's Lindsay Hyslop, Director, Recordings, Canada, earned a third straight nomination for Industry Person of the Year. BMG clients Jade Eagleson and Alexandra Kay also earned nominations, with Eagleson receiving two and Kay one. The Canadian Country Music Association Awards will be held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on September 19, 2026. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gMdT-zdk

BMG has signed five-time GRAMMY Award-winning songwriter, producer, and cultural architect Christopher “Tricky” Stewart to a new global publishing administration agreement. Recently inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame's 2026 class, Stewart has helped define the sound of modern Pop, R&B, and Hip-Hop across three decades. His remarkable catalog includes some of the most iconic songs of the 21st century, including Rihanna's Diamond-certified "Umbrella," Beyoncé's 11x Platinum-certified "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," Justin Bieber's 12x Platinum-certified "Baby," Mariah Carey's 3x Platinum-certified "Touch My Body," and Tyla's 3x Platinum-certified global breakout hit "Water." In addition to his celebrated songwriting and production career, Stewart serves as Chairman of the Recording Academy's Atlanta Chapter and Co-Chair of its Songwriters & Composers Wing. Stewart said, “In today’s music landscape, where the value of music and its creators is too often diminished, it was important for me to partner with a company like BMG. Seeing the incredible songwriters, producers, and artists on their roster reaffirmed that this was the right home. “Working alongside Tab Nkhereanye and Monti Olson has always been a winning formula for me, and having my longtime creative partner and genius, The-Dream, under the same roof makes this chapter even more special. “I’m excited to begin this next run together and looking forward to everything we’ll accomplish.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/g2Evdsij L to R: Judi Acosta-Stewart (RZ3 Recordings), Monti Olson (BMG), Christopher “Tricky” Stewart, Mark E. Stewart (RZ3 Recordings)

BMG is pleased to welcome Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Michelle Branch to the company with a new global recordings agreement. The announcement comes alongside the release of a newly reimagined version of "The Game of Love" by New Radicals and Michelle Branch, and ahead of her upcoming EP, Everywhere and Back Again, arriving November 6. The EP revisits songs from across Branch's career, including selections from her landmark debut album, The Spirit Room, alongside new collaborations with special guest artists. She will also embark on the Everywhere and Back Again headlining tour beginning this September. Michelle Branch said, “I’m so thrilled to be joining the BMG family for this next chapter. We have a lot of exciting projects I’ve been working on and the enthusiasm from BMG has been palpable. I can’t wait to share what we have in store.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/gVdrx3Me

BMG has announced its acquisition of the remaining interests in the songwriting works of the legendary publishing catalogs of Hal David, John Lee Hooker, and ARC Music – landmark bodies of musical works that helped shape American popular music. The deal completes a transaction first announced in 2016, when BMG acquired a majority stake in the ARC Music catalog from Fuji Music Group. BMG first partnered with Fuji Music Group to administer the catalog in 2010 before acquiring its majority interest. Monti Olson, BMG EVP, Head of Publishing, North America, said, “The musical catalogs of Hal David, John Lee Hooker, and ARC Music are cornerstones of modern music. Their timeless melodies and lyrics continue to resonate across generations and in pop culture around the world. Completing our ownership of these catalogs further strengthens BMG’s position as a home for some of the most significant works in American music history, ensuring these songs continue to be protected and introduced to new audiences for generations to come.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/gwPaaGXp

BMG is deeply saddened by the passing of Bonnie Tyler, one of the most distinctive and enduring voices in popular music. Born Gaynor Hopkins in Skewen, South Wales, Bonnie Tyler rose from performing in local clubs to become an international star, captivating audiences around the world with her unmistakable husky voice and powerful performances. Across a career spanning more than five decades, she sold millions of records and became one of Wales’ most celebrated musical exports. BMG is proud to represent Bonnie’s early recordings through the Sanctuary catalog, including landmark releases such as “Lost in France” and “It’s a Heartache”, songs that helped establish her as a major international talent and laid the foundations for a remarkable career. Dan Baxter, Senior Vice President, Global Catalog Recordings, BMG, said: “Few artists possess a voice as instantly recognizable as Bonnie Tyler’s. She was a true vocal powerhouse whose passion and authenticity touched audiences across generations. Despite her phenomenal success, she was known to be refreshingly down-to-earth, generous, and true to herself, never losing the joy she found in performing or the deep connection she shared with her fans. Bonnie leaves behind an enduring musical legacy and will be remembered not only for her unforgettable songs, but for the warmth, kindness, and spirit that defined her both on and off the stage.” Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all those whose lives have been touched by her music.