News
Sony Music UK acquires merchandise company Kontraband
Sony Music UK today announced the acquisition of the full-service merchandise company, Kontraband.
The acquisition will enhance and strengthen Sony Music’s presence in this growing area of the music business and will see Kontraband working collaboratively with each of Sony Music’s labels and their extensive artist rosters; as well as working closely with The Thread Shop – Sony Music’s US merchandise operation.
In making the announcement, Nicola Tuer, COO of Sony Music UK and Ireland says, “we are continuously looking for ways to diversify our business and the acquisition of Kontraband allows us to help our artists enhance their brand and deliver new and exciting commercial opportunities.”
The British merchandise company is run by Paul Entwistle and Justin Smith who have more than 20 years of experience, covering every aspect of merchandise sales, production and distribution globally. The company has handled the merchandise for an impressive roster of artists including Camila Cabello, Kylie, Iggy Pop, Bring Me The Horizon, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Happy Mondays, Paolo Nutini, PJ Harvey, The Streets, Keane and many more.
Paul Entwistle, Director of Kontraband says, “we’re hugely excited about joining the Sony Music family. From the very start of our conversations, there was a very clear vision about the role merchandise would play alongside their other services, so it’s a massive opportunity for us to be able to integrate as part of this. Kontraband’s reputation was made by approaching merchandise in an innovative and creative manner and we’re looking forward to continuing to deliver this for artists on the Sony Music roster.”
As a result of the acquisition, Kontraband will relocate from their office in London’s Finsbury Park to the Sony Music headquarters in Kensington.