Music Business Worldwide reports, Believe Digital has acquired a majority stake in Nuclear Blast Records for what is said to be an eight-figure sum. Believe will become a distribution partner and shareholder of the company as founder Markus Staiger will also remain a shareholder. Based on a joint statement, this strategic alliance goal is to strengthen services to artists and develop new artists.
Thorsten Freese, Managing Director of Believe Digital Germany commented:
“Nuclear Blast has the most prestigious roster of hard rock and metal artists in the world. These artists are served by a team of passionate and dedicated staff. Because we share this passion and dedication, we are very excited to establish this alliance with Nuclear Blast and service the careers of their artists and develop new and exciting talents with their team.”
Staiger added:
“We have known for a long time that we needed to respond to the changes in the music industry. We are also aware that we need to move away from the idea of conventional collaborations in order to continue to be a world-class force, especially in the digital market. We have found the ideal partner with Believe Digital to lead Nuclear Blast and its artists into the future.”
Believe is a leading digital distributor of independent artists and labels. Nuclear Blast was founded back in 1987 and has been a home for many metal and rock bands including Nightwish, Slayer, Sabaton, Blind Guardian, Avantasia, Accept, Dimmu Borgir, Cradle of Filth, Paradise Lost, Epica, Doro and more.
