Concord has acquired prominent London-based independent label Ninja Tune, expanding its presence in the UK and Europe.
The companies disclosed the transaction on Thursday (March 12).
The deal brings Ninja Tune’s recorded music operations and its publishing arm, Just Isn’t Music, under Concord’s umbrella. The catalog includes songs released by the label and works from artists including The Prodigy, Soulwax and Nova Twins.
Founded in 1990 by musicians Matt Black and Jonathan More, known together as Coldcut, Ninja Tune has released music by artists including Amon Tobin, Barry Can’t Swim, Ben Böhmer, Bicep, Black Country, New Road, Bonobo, Carlita, The Cinematic Orchestra, Coldcut, Diplo, Fcukers, Floating Points, Flying Lotus (via Brainfeeder), Glass Beams, The Heavy, and Hiatus Kaiyote.
Ninja Tune has also released music by Jayda G, Julianna Barwick, Kae Tempest, Kamasi Washington (via Brainfeeder), Kelis, Kid Koala, King Geedorah (MF DOOM), Little Dragon, LP Giobbi, Maribou State, Marie Davidson, Metronomy, Mr. Scruff, Nilüfer Yanya, nimino, ODESZA, Peggy Gou, Roots Manuva, Run The Jewels, salute, Sampa the Great, Sofia Kourtesis, Thundercat (via Brainfeeder), TSHA, Tycho, VTSS, yeule, Young Fathers, and more.
Following the acquisition, Ninja Tune will continue operating under its current leadership and from its existing UK and US offices.
The management team includes Marie Clausen, Dawn Dobson, Martin Dobson, Adrian Kemp, Tess Kendall, Peter Quicke, and Samantha Sissons.
For Concord, the deal marks its latest strategic investment. In January, the company invested in Giant Music, the independent record label launched by The Azoff Company.
In March 2025, Concord fully acquired Los Angeles-based music distribution platform Stem.
Headquartered in Nashville, Concord operates recorded music labels, a music publishing division and a theatrical licensing business. The company says it supports more than 125,000 artists and songwriters globally and manages a catalog of 1.3 million songs, compositions, sound recordings, films, plays, and musicals.
By adding Ninja Tune, Concord is able to expand its operations in the UK and Europe, according to Concord CEO Bob Valentine.
“Their amazing roster, and the team’s ambition to continue to grow Ninja Tune, seamlessly align with our vision for Concord’s expanding frontline reach.”
Bob Valentine, Concord
Valentine said: “Over three decades, the team at Ninja Tune has built a label dedicated to independent artistry. Their amazing roster, and the team’s ambition to continue to grow Ninja Tune, seamlessly align with our vision for Concord’s expanding frontline reach.
“These attributes, alongside the opportunity to greatly expand Concord’s UK and European operations, made this acquisition an obvious strategic fit. I am eager to see our collective vision take form.”
Tom Becci, CEO Concord Label Group said: “I am beyond excited to welcome Ninja Tune and their stellar roster of artists to Concord.
“With their team on board, we are even better situated today to deliver on behalf of independent artists everywhere – increasing their reach and helping them finding new audiences with whom their music resonates, no matter where in the world that audience exists.”
“Thank you to Marie, Dawn, Martin, Adrian, Tess, Peter, and Samantha, and the entire team for trusting Concord to carry on the Ninja Tune legacy.”
“Partnering with Concord ensures the culture and ethos that make the label so unique remain, whilst bringing mad Ninja energy and innovation forward.”
Matt Black and Jon More, Ninja Tune
Ninja Tune founders Coldcut (Matt Black and Jon More) added: “It is an artist’s prerogative and responsibility to be dissatisfied with what one already knows. To, with sadness, kiss it goodbye and joyfully begin fishing again.
“Partnering with Concord ensures the culture and ethos that make the label so unique remain, whilst bringing mad Ninja energy and innovation forward.”
In July, Concord closed its latest asset-backed securities transaction, issuing $1.765 billion in bonds via a series of new five-year, seven-year, and ten-year senior notes.
The bonds are backed by Concord’s portfolio of music rights featuring songs and recordings of artists such as The Beatles, Beyonce, Bruno Mars, Carrie Underwood, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Daddy Yankee, Ed Sheeran, Genesis, Imagine Dragons, John Fogerty, Kiss, Michael Jackson, Otis Redding, Phil Collins, Pink Floyd, R.E.M., Rihanna, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Taylor Swift, and The Rolling Stones.
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