Major record label sells out
mainLe Monde reports this morning that Harmonia Mundi is in the process of being sold.
The new owners will be a Belgian independent, Pias, founded in 1983 by Kenny Gates and Michel Lambot and sharing some of HM’s core values. Pias owns and distributes a host of small labels. The two companies are in talks and have agreed to strike a deal by October 1.
HM, founded by Bernard Coutaz in Paris in 1958, is run by his widow, Eva. It has driven the early music bandwaggons of William Christie, Philippe Herreweghe, René Jacobs and many more. Last reported annual turnover was in the region of $40 million, which makes it probably the biggest non-corporate classical group.
Sic transit Harmonia Mundi.
“Editors?”
The above comment is nonsense now that the comment to which it replied has been deleted. Please delete my comment as well.
“sells out”… I think this word does not mean what you think it does.
That’s the trouble with phrasal verbs, but the lamentation sic transit gloria mundi is spot on.
Sad news, a big blow. Harmonia Mundi was a very profilic label with some outstanding releases.
And still is, and will be for a good while yet.
I wish I could share your optimism. These Belgians seem to have no experience in classical music.
It’s not a word I much like, but does “synergy” mean anything to you?