Warner Music Group has completed its $180m acquisition of EMP Merchandising Handelsgesellschaft mbH (EMP).
The buyout was announced in September but was awaiting approval by German regulatory authorities.
The deal was given the all clear on October 10, according to an SEC filing spotted by MBW.
Founded in Germany in 1986, EMP is led by CEO Ernst Trapp and CFO Jan Fischer, who will continue to manage the company as a fully staffed organization under Warner’s ownership.
The company offers fans merchandise from acts such as Twenty One Pilots, Panic! At The Disco, Metallica, Motörhead, Guns n Roses, Nirvana, Pink Floyd, AC/DC, The Doors, and many others.
“Their music-led expertise will give us great insight into what audiences love and what they want,
Stu Bergen, WMG, speaking in September
The news of the acquisition follows a string of recent buyouts at WMG, including A&R insight tool Sodatone, influential online media brand UPROXX, electronic music label Spinnin’ Records, and concert discovery platform Songkick.
“EMP has built a powerful lifestyle destination that will be a perfect complement to our global artist development and marketing strategies,” said Stu Bergen, CEO of International & Global Commercial Services, Recorded Music, WMG, when the deal was announced.
“Their music-led expertise will give us great insight into what audiences love and what they want, and at the same time open up exciting new opportunities for our artists. We look forward to bringing Ernst, Jan, and everyone at EMP into WMG’s growing family of brands.”Music Business Worldwide
