Press releases

09 August 2011
IMAGEM APPOINT BUMA-STEMRA AND PRS FOR MUSIC TO MANAGE EUROPEAN ONLINE RIGHTS

IMAGEM, one of the world's largest independent music publishers has appointed Dutch collecting society Buma/Stemra and the UK’s PRS for Music to license and administer its online rights on a pan-European basis. The announcement follows previous notification by IMAGEM to all European collecting societies that it would be withdrawing its online rights from the network as of 31^st December 2011.

Buma/Stemra and PRS for Music have been chosen to represent these rights due to their existing strong relationships with IMAGEM and a proven track record in licensing digital services on a pan-European basis.

Andre de Raaff, CEO of IMAGEM said "Our decision to embrace the development of the online market and option 3 licensing was of significant importance to IMAGEM. In choosing Buma-Stemra we will see our important relationship with them move forwards into the future. With PRS for Music, we have identified a partner who is making a success of online licensing in how they work with licensees, rightsholders and other societies".

Hein van der Ree, CEO of Buma/Stemra, commented “We are proud that Imagem, one of the largest publishers in the world, has decided to work with Buma/Stemra and include us in this exciting venture together with PRS for Music.”

Robert Ashcroft, Chief Executive of PRS for Music, added "I’m delighted to add IMAGEM to the growing band of independent music publishers PRS for Music represents in the European online licensing market. This is an important milestone in the repertoire we represent, and is good news for European digital music consumers and music creators alike.”

The appointment of Buma-Stremra and PRS for Music to the license and administration IMAGEM’s pan-territorial online rights will be effective as from 1 January 2012.

-ENDS-

For further information:
On behalf of Imagem -
Andy Saunders l Velocity Communications
D: + 44(0) 207 060 9111
M: + 44 (0) 7939 133050
E: andy@velocitypr.co.uk
W: www.imagem.com

On behalf of PRS for Music -
Barney Hooper l Head of PR & Corporate Communications, PRS for Music

D: +44 (0)20 7306 4548
M: +44 (0)7979 757052
E:  barney.hooper@prsformusic.com
W: www.prsformusic.com

On behalf of Buma-Stemra –
Bas Erlings l Senior Communication Advisor, Buma-Stemra
D: +31(0)652676035.
E: bas.erlings@bumastemra.nl
W: www.bumastemra.nl

About Imagem Group

Imagem (André de Raaff, CEO and co-founder) is the #1 independent music publishing company in the world, unique for its leadership role in classical music (Boosey & Hawkes), musicals (Rodgers & Hammerstein), and rock & roll (Imagem Music).    Founded in 2008 by Dutch firm ABP, one of the world’s largest pension funds, in conjunction with Dutch independent publisher/media company CP Masters BV, Imagem began by acquiring music publishing rights in a number of catalogues sold by Universal Publishing, such as Rondor, Zomba, BBC and 19 Music. This was followed by acquiring the world’s leading classical music publishing company Boosey & Hawkes (representing the world's leading classical and jazz composers from Aaron Copland and Igor Stravinsky to John Adams, Wynton Marsalis, and beyond), and Rodgers & Hammerstein (containing the rights to the world’s most popular stage and film musicals including THE SOUND OF MUSIC and OKLAHOMA!, and representing hundreds of works by writers including Irving Berlin.) Highlights from Imagem Music’s ever-expanding pop catalogue include Phil Collins, Genesis, Temper Trap, Vampire Weekend, M.I.A., Bombay Bicycle Club, and Daft Punk. Imagem is proud to represent such a variety of writers, catalogues, and copyrights, combining the knowledge of experienced music publishers with the newest opportunities for exploitation. Imagem: Making the difference! Website: www.imagem.com.

About Buma/Stemra
Buma/Stemra is the collecting society for music in the Netherlands. Buma/Stemra represents the interests of music authors worldwide and promotes Dutch music as an international product. Music authors can transfer the commercial exploitation of their music copyright to Buma/Stemra. Keeping track of who is using their music can be a lot of work for music authors to do theirselves. Buma/Stemra will do this job for them and makes sure music authors receive remuneration for the use of their creations. One of the things we do to ensure this is by signing agreements with music users.
www.bumastemra.nl

About PRS for Music
PRS for Music represents the rights of 80,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in the UK. As a not-for-profit organisation it ensures creators are paid whenever their music is played, performed or reproduced; championing the importance of copyright to protect and support the UK music industry. The UK has a proud tradition of creating wonderful music that is enjoyed the world over and PRS for Music has been supporting the creators of that music since 1914.
PRS for Music provides business and community groups with easy access to over 10m songs through its music licences. In an industry worth £3.8bn PRS for Music is uniquely placed to be a voice for music and music creators.   Collecting £611m in 2010 PRS for Music is one of the world’s most efficient combined rights organisations.   With 150 representation agreements in place globally, PRS for Music’s network represents over 2 million music creators.