Ninja Tune bought by American music company Concord

Nashville-based music company Concord has bought Ninja Tune. 

Announced on Tuesday (12th March), Concord also acquires the label’s publishing arm, named Just Isn’t Music, and its artist roster. It states: “The publishing catalog includes the majority of the songs on Ninja Tune’s recorded releases and works by artists such as The Prodigy, Soulwax, Nova Twins, and more.” 

In the announcement, Concord and Ninja Tune said the deal “vastly increases Concord Label Group’s UK and European footprint and provides Ninja Tune with the additional resources necessary to enhance its extensive global frontline success.”

As part of the deal, Ninja Tune will continue to operate under its current leadership team across its UK and US offices.

View this post on Instagram

Concord CEO Bob Valentine said: “Over three decades, the team at Ninja Tune has built a label dedicated to independent artistry,

 “Their amazing roster, and the team’s ambition to continue to grow Ninja Tune, seamlessly align with our vision for Concord’s expanding frontline reach. These attributes, alongside the opportunity to greatly expand Concord’s UK and European operations, made this acquisition an obvious strategic fit. I am eager to see our collective vision take form.”

Ninja Tune founders Matt Black and Jon More said: “It is an artist’s prerogative and responsibility to be dissatisfied with what one already knows. To, with sadness, kiss it goodbye and joyfully begin fishing again. 

Partnering with Concord ensures the culture and ethos that make the label so unique remain, whilst bringing mad Ninja energy and innovation forward.”

Ninja Tune was formed in London in 1990 by Matt Black and Jonathan More, AKA duo Coldcut, before going on to establish itself as a leading independent record label. 

According to Ninja Tune’s website, the artists currently on its roster include Barry Can't Swim, Black Country, New Road, Bonobo, Fcukers, Helena Hauff, Hiatus Kaiyote, Jayda G, Oppidan, Peggy Gou, and Sofia Kourtesis. 

Concord runs a label group, music publishing, a theatrical company, a film and television arm, and licenses sound recordings. 

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, Facebook, and YouTube for the latest music and events content.