Warner Music Group and Access Industries, the U.S.-based industrial group, announced the execution of a definitive merger agreement under which Access Industries will acquire WMG in an all-cash transaction valued at $3.3 billion. The purchase includes WMG’s entire recorded music and music publishing businesses (Access Industries Statement).
It is interesting to see how such a merger will effect licensee and distributor relationships worldwide. That, may depend on the interests Access has in media companies around the world. To take the Israeli example, Warner has been represented by several entities over the years, including Hed Arzi Group and now Lev Group Media. But, Access has a stake in R.G.E. Group Ltd., a media group based in Israel. Does this mean that a change in local representation for Warner in Israel is looming?