Trending Now - Primary Wave Completes Acquisition of Kobalt Music

WHO:

Primary Wave Music, Kobalt Music, Francisco Partners, Brookfield

WHAT:

Primary Wave is acquiring Kobalt Music.

The deal could be worth more than $1.5 billion.

The acquisition creates a company valued at approximately $7 billion.

Kobalt typically accounts for about 35% of the top songs and albums each year in the U.S. and UK.

WHERE:

The acquisition involves Kobalt's worldwide operations.

WHEN:

The transaction was announced on Monday, March 23rd, 2026.

WHY:

The acquisition aims to create a larger player in the music publishing sector, which has gained value in the streaming era.

HOW:

The deal includes Kobalt's amra and catalog.

(UPDATED March 23, 2026 17:51 UTC)

In a significant move in the music industry, Primary Wave Music has announced its acquisition of Kobalt Music, a deal that could exceed $1.5 billion and create a combined company valued at around $7 billion. Kobalt, known for accounting for about 35% of the top songs and albums each year in both the U.S. and UK, will bring its worldwide operations into the fold as part of this transaction. The announcement was made on Monday, March 23, 2026, and aims to strengthen the position of the new entity in the increasingly valuable music publishing sector, especially in the streaming era.