This time, the acquisitive firm has swooped for Absolute Label Services, a UK-based distribution and services provider to independent artists and record labels.
Included in the acquisition is neighbouring rights company Absolute Rights Management.
Absolute’s current offering will be integrated into Utopia’s Distribution Services business unit, which launched in January with the acquisition of Proper Music Group.
Absolute’s co-owners and joint Managing Directors, Henry Semmence and Simon Wills now join as VP, Distribution Services.
They will work alongside Drew Hill, VP, Physical Distribution. All will report directly to Utopia’s Chief Operating Officer Roberto Neri.
Founded in 1998, Absolute’s client base ranges from developing talent such as Jake Isaac, edbl and Au-Ra to established names including Deep Purple, Beverly Knight and McFly.
Absolute says that it will continue to service its existing customer base as part of Utopia.
Utopia’s acquisition of Absolute marks its seventh company acquisition since September.
In addition to buying Proper Music in January, earlier this month, Utopia acquired Liverpool-based music publisher and publishing administration company Sentric Music Group.
In December it acquired US-based music industry directory ROSTR and Austria-based music data analytics platform, ForTunes.
In October, the firm bought Nashville-based financial services company, Lyric Financial and in September, Utopia bought Quincy Jones-backed emotional data enrichment company Musimap.
Sources tell MBW that Utopia has tens of millions of dollars at its disposal.
“It is no secret that the Music Industry has a data gap. We are proud to be part of a company that wants to make a difference within the industry and help it grow.”
Henry Semmence and Simon Wills
“At Absolute we pride ourselves on being the most trusted partner for labels,” said Semmence and Wills.
“By joining the Utopia family, we can provide our clients with an array of new services and exponentially increase their business.
“It is no secret that the Music Industry has a data gap. We are proud to be part of a company that wants to make a difference within the industry and help it grow.”
“Absolute has an impeccable track record and it’s our honour to welcome their team to the Utopia family and increase our offering for artists, record labels, and distributors.”
Roberto Neri, Utopia
Roberto Neri, COO at Utopia Music, added: “We are delighted to announce our acquisition of Absolute, which further strengthens our position as partners of the Industry.
“Absolute has an impeccable track record and it’s our honour to welcome their team to the Utopia family and increase our offering for artists, record labels, and distributors.
“Simon and Henry have a strong reputation as industry leaders and partners.
“By working in tandem we can enhance and supercharge our Utopia distribution offering delivering ‘Fair Pay for Every Play’ for Creators and rights holders.”
