Exceleration Music, the independent music company known for its unique blend of distribution, investment, and label support services, has entered into an agreement to acquire Cooking Vinyl, one of the UK’s most successful and long-standing music companies.

This strategic move brings together two influential forces in the independent music sector: Exceleration, with its global, full-service model that includes ownership of leading distribution company Redeye Worldwide, and Cooking Vinyl, the originator of artist services with its signing of Billy Bragg in 1993, and a proven worldwide leader in the field.

The deal will strengthen the companies’ positions in each other’s respective markets and provide their independent artists and labels worldwide with a more powerful, integrated, multi-territory offering. Cooking Vinyl will integrate into Redeye’s industry-leading distribution platform and gain access to Exceleration’s global infrastructure, significantly expanding its growth opportunities worldwide. Exceleration, meanwhile, will be able to tap into Cooking Vinyl’s renowned artist marketing expertise.

The acquisition underscores Redeye and Exceleration’s shared ambition to be global leaders in independent music distribution and services; a viable alternative to the major label-owned distribution and services models.

Cooking Vinyl will continue to operate independently, led by Managing Director Rob Collins and his team, maintaining its commitment to top-tier artist and label services and ensuring continuity and ongoing success for the company’s roster and team. Founder Martin Goldschmidt will remain in his current capacity as Chairman.

Founded in 1986, Cooking Vinyl is home to an eclectic roster of artists across a range of genres, including Shed Seven, Suzanne Vega, Passenger, The Prodigy, The Cranberries, Billy Bragg, The Darkness, Deacon Blue, 47 Soul, Roger Waters and The Jesus and Mary Chain. The acquisition comes during one of the most successful and dynamic periods in its nearly four-decade history – in 2024 the company achieved the rare feat of two number 1 UK albums for the same artist with Shed Seven. Previous number 1 albums for Cooking Vinyl include releases by Passenger and The Prodigy. Most recently The Darkness debuted at No.2 in the UK charts with their album “Dreams on Toast”.

Said Collins, “At Cooking Vinyl, we’ve worked tirelessly to help our artists achieve both artistic and commercial success — without ever compromising their uniqueness

or creative control. This deal enhances that mission. Our artists will still benefit from our close-knit, highly personalised team that combines deep industry expertise with old-fashioned hard graft. But now, with the expanded U.S. capabilities, enhanced resources, and the broader global reach of the Exceleration structure, we’re able to offer even stronger support to our current and future roster. I look forward to working with their team to spearhead this next phase for Cooking Vinyl!”

Added Goldschmidt, “I have been running an independent label for over 40 years. This deal takes the label to the next level and offers far greater opportunities for our team and our artists.The cultures and synergies between our companies are immense. Creating a worldwide proposition is the obvious one but more important to me are the shared values of commitment to independence and caring about artists and our team.

“I have known and admired Redeye and key members of the Exceleration partners since 1988 and am very pleased that our future will be with people who understand and appreciate who we are, and where we belong. I look forward to helping guide Rob and his team to realise Cooking Vinyl’s full potential in my role as Chairman for many years to come.”

“The addition of Cooking Vinyl, and their impressive team, to the Exceleration system represents a significant step forward in our mission to invest in market-leading independents globally” commented Glen Barros, Founding Partner of Exceleration. “Cooking Vinyl not only brings a set of remarkable artists into our orbit, but their team adds an important piece to the puzzle for Exceleration’s Artist and Label Services capabilities, including enhancing Redeye Distribution outside of the U.S. Their history of chart and commercial success aligns perfectly with our long-term vision.”

Cooking Vinyl Publishing UK, Cooking Vinyl Publishing Australia and Motus Music are not included within the acquisition.