Recognition Music Group Emerges as Hipgnosis Rebrands After Stock Market Departure
Hipgnosis, the prominent music catalog investor, has officially rebranded as Recognition Music Group following its recent stock market exit. The company maintains its existing catalog holdings while pursuing new acquisition opportunities.
Recognition company photo
The rebranding encompasses several entities:
- Hipgnosis Songs Fund
- Hipgnosis Song Management (HSM)
- Hipgnosis Songs Assets
- Related portfolio holdings
The leadership team remains unchanged:
- Ben Katovsky as CEO
- Dan Pounder as CFO
- Sara Lord as Chief Creative Officer
This rebranding comes amid significant developments:
- Less than one year after Hipgnosis Songs Fund's stock market exit
- Completion of a $1.5 billion ABS in November
- Ongoing legal dispute with Barry Manilow over bonus payments
- Former founder Merck Mercuriadis's departure
CEO Ben Katovsky emphasized Recognition Music's commitment to:
- Supporting artists and songwriters
- Enhancing song value and legacy
- Expanding the portfolio through strategic acquisitions
The company faces a transformed music-IP landscape characterized by:
- Increased competition in catalog acquisitions
- New funding sources
- Higher valuations
- More diverse transaction structures
The rebranding marks a strategic shift as Recognition Music Group positions itself for continued growth in the evolving music rights marketplace.