Avex Music Group Launches $100 Million Global Publishing Acquisition Strategy with Infamous Catalog Purchase

ENTERTAINMENT

4/27/20263 min read

Ryan Kamada, CFO, Avex Music Group; Brandon Silverstein, CEO, Avex Music Group; Spencer LeBoff, Senior Vice President, Avex Music Group. Photo by Jeremy Jackson.

Avex Music Group has announced a $100 million initial commitment to acquire premier music publishing catalogs, music publishing companies, and culturally significant copyrights over the next 12 months. The announcement, made from Los Angeles, represents phase one of the company's global publishing catalog acquisition strategy.

The announcement establishes catalog acquisitions as a core division within AMG's global publishing business, building on the company's continued momentum in frontline publishing across North America, Asia, and key international markets.

First Acquisition and Frontline Success

The first acquisition under the catalog acquisition strategy is the publishing catalog of acclaimed producer and songwriter Infamous (Marco Rodriguez), whose work has generated billions of global streams. The catalog includes "Lose Control" by Teddy Swims, a multi-platinum Billboard Hot 100 number one record and one of the most commercially successful songs of the past year. The catalog also includes work with Lil Wayne and Charlie Puth.

AMG's expansion into catalog follows a period of significant frontline success, including its recently announced global publishing administration partnership with Bruno Mars. The company's publishing roster has been behind culturally impactful records including the Grammy Award-winning song "Folded" by Kehlani featuring work by Kamal Wilson, "Nokia" by Drake featuring Elkan, and multiple releases from Tate McRae including "Sports Car," "Tit for Tat," and "Revolving Door" featuring Grant Boutin, among others, further reinforcing AMG's position in today's global music landscape.

Strategic Vision and Leadership

"At Avex Music Group, we are focused on investing in culturally defining music at every stage, from creation through long-term ownership," said Brandon Silverstein, CEO of Avex Music Group and Founder of S10. "Our success in frontline publishing has created strong global momentum, and expanding into catalog is a natural evolution of that strategy. This initial $100 million represents the first phase of a broader, long-term commitment to building a scaled global catalog business."

The publishing acquisition strategy is led by Avex Music Group CEO Brandon Silverstein, alongside CFO Ryusuke (Ryan) Kamada and Spencer LeBoff, SVP, Head of Publishing and Acquisitions. Financing for the initiative is supported through City National Bank.

Global Platform Integration

As a Tokyo-founded company operating as a global music and entertainment group, AMG continues to scale its presence internationally, bridging East and West through a unified creative and commercial platform. The catalog acquisition strategy positions AMG to compete in the active secondary market for music publishing rights, which has seen increased institutional investment and catalog valuations in recent years.

The 12-month timeline for the initial $100 million investment suggests AMG plans to pursue multiple acquisitions across different catalog types and catalog sizes, potentially including both individual songwriter catalogs and existing publishing company assets. The strategy reflects broader industry trends toward catalog ownership as a core business line for major music companies.

Company Structure and Operations

Avex Music Group is the global music division of Avex Inc. (TYO: 7860), one of the world's leading entertainment companies. Headquartered in Los Angeles, AMG is led by CEO Brandon Silverstein, who oversees the global music group and serves as a board member and equity partner.

AMG operates across frontline music publishing, recorded music, studio and creative services, and catalog and company acquisitions, alongside artist management through S10 Entertainment. Avex Inc. operates globally across music, animation, live entertainment, merchandise, and more, employing over 1,500 people and generating around $1 billion in annual revenue.

AMG brings Avex's creative and commercial vision to life on a global scale, bridging East and West through a unified platform spanning music and culture. The catalog acquisition announcement represents the latest expansion of AMG's operations following previous investments in frontline publishing, artist management, and distribution partnerships.

The company positions the catalog strategy as complementary to its existing frontline publishing business rather than a shift in strategic focus, suggesting plans to continue signing active songwriters and producers while simultaneously building a catalog portfolio.

Related Stories