This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Business News Deals Labels & Publishers
Concord launches new theatre-focused division following Samuel French acquisition
By Chris Cooke | Published on Tuesday 18 December 2018
Concord Music has announced the launch of a new theatre-focused division that will bring together its existing interests in musical theatre and a brand new acquisition, Samuel French, a leading publisher of dramatic works.
US-based independent music firm Concord acquired the catalogue of Marvin Hamlisch, including his numerous stage and film compositions, back in 2011. It then extended its interests in the musical theatre business via an alliance with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Company in 2016 and, the following year, by taking ownership of the Rodgers & Hammerstein catalogue via its acquisition of Imagem. Earlier this year it acquired New York-based musical licensing firm Tams-Witmark.
The acquisition of Samuel French brings more musicals into the fold – including the likes of ‘Grease’ and ‘Chicago’ – though the deal also moves Concord into the wider theatre business too. Samuel French also represents thousands of stage plays, including works by the likes of Agatha Christie, Arthur Miller, Tennessee Williams, Harold Pinter, David Mamet, Caryl Churchill, Tom Stoppard, Sarah Daniels and Edward Bond.
All these various assets will now be part of Concord Theatricals, a new division led by Sean Patrick Flahaven, who for the last two years has been CEO of the aforementioned Lloyd Webber joint venture. He will report into Concord’s Chief Publishing Executive Jake Wisely.
Confirming the new division and the latest acquisition, Wisely said yesterday: “Samuel French adds to Concord Theatricals a broad diversity of rights, relationships, experience and executive talent. French also broadens our existing relationships and business synergies, as we now represent all of the musicals of Marvin Hamlisch, both the stage rights and film and TV music rights of Agatha Christie Ltd, as well as various recordings and now the plays of Steve Martin. With Samuel French, Concord is no longer just music”.
Meanwhile Nathan Collins, President of Samuel French – and now General Manager of Concord Theatricals – added: “For 188 years, Samuel French has been the iconic name in theatrical licensing and publishing and this merger will enable us to continue to provide our clients with the most innovative products, dynamic marketing and transparent reporting. Under Sean’s leadership, we will build upon the great catalogues of the two organisations and create the preferred home for the works of playwrights, composers and lyricists”.
