CTM Outlander has acquired what it calls a “unique catalog” of songs from Grammy Award-winning UK-based songwriter and producer, Fraser T Smith.
Smith is known for his global success with artists including Adele, Britney Spears, Celine Dion, Drake, Florence + The Machine, Gorillaz and Sam Smith.
CTM Outlander says that the deal announced on Wednesday (July 26) includes songs recorded by artists including Tiësto, Jonas Blue & Rita Ora (Ritual), Stormzy (Blinded by Your Grace Pt 1 & 2, Audacity), Dave (Black, Environment, Lesley), Craig David (I Know You, When You Know What Love Is), Raye (Please Don’t Touch) and more.
The company also says that the deal also includes the writer’s share for “most of the compositions” within the catalog of songs included in the deal, with the songs being administered on a global basis by CTM Outlander.
CTM Outlander is a partnership between Dallas, Texas-based Outlander Capital, led by Les Ware and Mike McKool and the Netherlands-based independent music entertainment company CTM, led by industry veteran André de Raaff.
Since launching two years ago, CTM Outlander has signaled its ambition to invest over $ 1 billion in acquiring music publishing and master rights.
Amongst the company’s recent moves in the music rights M&A space include the acquisition of TEN Music’s publishing assets in 2021 and the catalogs of Natalie Hemby, Ben Burgess and Michael Tyler in 2022.
In June 2023, CTM Outlander made what it says was its biggest deal so far, buying the “catalog and futures” of 3x Grammy Award-winning songwriter Shane McAnally.
CTM Outlander says that it has further acquisitions to announce this summer.
“Fraser is a once-in-a-generation songwriter and we look forward to shining a light on these compositions for years to come.”
André de Raaff, CTM Outlander Music
André de Raaff, CEO, CTM Outlander Music LP said: “I want to thank Fraser and Sarah for entrusting us to look after these wonderful songs. Fraser is a once-in-a-generation songwriter and we look forward to shining a light on these compositions for years to come.
“On a personal level, both Fraser and Sarah are both wonderful to work with, and we are truly humbled that they have partnered with CTM Outlander”.
“Knowing that my catalog is in good hands is important to me, and André’s years of experience in publishing means that my songs have not only been acquired but will be given the very best platform for the future as well.”
Fraser T Smith
Fraser T Smith added: “Knowing that my catalog is in good hands is important to me, and André’s years of experience in publishing means that my songs have not only been acquired but will be given the very best platform for the future as well”.
“It has been a pleasure dealing with André and CTM Outlander, and I have the utmost reassurance that Fraser’s compositions will be looked after and shared with the world for many years”.
Sarah Thorneycroft-Smith, Manager
Manager Sarah Thorneycroft-Smith said: “It has been a pleasure dealing with André and CTM Outlander, and I have the utmost reassurance that Fraser’s compositions will be looked after and shared with the world for many years”.
Back in 2019, in a separate deal, Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited also acquired a music catalog from Fraser T Smith, buying 100% of Smith’s worldwide writer share of performance income of that catalog, which comprised 298 songs.
Smith co-wrote and produced Set Fire to the Rain from Adele’s 2011 album 21 which is the best-selling album of the 21st century.Music Business Worldwide