| Song Plugging Shows |
Bug Music, Inc., one of the world's largest independent
music publishers, has secured a new $200,000,000 credit facility, which can be
increased to $250,000,000. The facility, priced at the London interbank offered
rate (Libor) plus 2.50%, was led by investment bank JP Morgan, it was announced
today by Bug Music CEO John Rudolph.
"Our sound business fundamentals and practices continue to be rewarded as
reflected by the facility size and attractive rate, in spite of a very difficult
credit market. The significant upsizing of our credit facility will enable Bug
Music to continue to have the financial resources to pursue acquisition
opportunities and will enable us to continue to grow the company effectively,"
stated Rudolph.
Rudolph added, "Jason Somerville and the JP Morgan's team in the Entertainment
Industries Group are a great partner and have again demonstrated their ability
to deliver. In the past two years, our competitors were often overly aggressive
in their M&A activities whereas we were viewed as conservative. Now this
discipline is paying off and is evidenced by JP Morgan and eight other sponsor
banks joining the facility. Bug Music is a rapidly growing, highly profitable
publisher with great prospects for continued growth."
Thomas McGrath, Bug Music's Chairman, noted, "Bug Music continues to show "best
in class" management and profitable growth through its M&A activity and its
creative collaborations with its valued writers. With a music library of more
than 250,000 copyrights, and offices now in seven cities across the US and
Europe, Bug Music has emerged as the largest, most important independent music
publisher dedicated to building a business for the long-term. We are excited to
be a part of this great growth story in music publishing and look forward to
continuing our long-term partnership."
Bug Music's recent activity has begun to redefine the nature of the traditional
publishing company, by creating unique and innovative deals that allow for more
creative collaboration beyond administration. The company's most recent deals
have included the signing of Kara DioGuardi, American Idol's newest judge and
one of the industry's hottest and most sought-after songwriter and producer; the
acquisition of DioGuardi's vast catalog of hits by such artists as Christina
Aguilera, Jonas Brothers, and Celine Dion; an equity stake and partnership
agreement with Arthouse Entertainment; the acquisition of music production
leader Selectracks; and the acquisition of Iggy Pop's catalog.