Saban Music Group announces worldwide distribution and marketing alliance with Universal Music Group

09 January 2020 - Press release

Saban Music Group (SMG), a music company backed by worldwide entertainment industry pioneer Haim Saban, today announces a global distribution and marketing agreement with Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment.
 
The strategic alliance is structured to reflect today’s everchanging global music landscape. SMG will be distributed in the U.S. by Caroline, an arm of UMG subsidiary Capitol Music Group, and work in tandem with Caroline International and UMG’s Santa Monica-based central services team for all other territories.
 
An industry leader in independent distribution and label services, Caroline provides a full range of services for its portfolio of artist and label partners and their releases. Its strategic planning includes alliances with Caroline International’s 11 offices outside the U.S.
 
“Sir Lucian has built the #1 music company in the world with an unprecedented streak of artist development,” Saban commented. “There is no better home for our artists and their music.”
 
The partnership will kick off on January 10th with the release of “Further Up,” an Urban/Dance club banger from superstar duo Static & Ben El, featuring Pitbull.
 
“Haim has a proven track record of creating world-class entertainment,” said Sir Lucian Grainge, UMG’s Chairman & CEO. “We’re looking forward to working with his team at Saban Music to bring groundbreaking new artists and music to fans around the globe.”
 
Spearheaded by industry veteran Gustavo Lopez, SMG has been signing artists and developing content for the global music audiences since its launch announcement in July 2019. The music entertainment firm is committed to providing resources for both local as well international artists through its 360 model.
 
Of the new partnership with UMG, Lopez notes, “It’s exciting to once again work with UMG, my home for more than 20 years. We’re looking forward to working with Sir Lucian’s record-breaking and industry-leading teams.”
 
As part of its overall growth strategy, Haim Saban’s $500 million commitment to SMG includes the future acquisition of recording, publishing and management entities.