Musicbusinessworldwide.com
Curve Royalty Systems is preparing for a new chapter after Universal Music Group and Virgin Music Group agreed to sell the royalty accounting platform to investment firm Jamen Capital and independent music licensing organization Merlin.
The transaction fulfills a key condition imposed by European regulators during their review of Universal’s $775 million acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings. As part of the approval process, Universal was required to divest Curve, ensuring the royalty-processing business remained independent from the major music company’s expanding infrastructure portfolio.
Once finalized, the deal will return Curve to standalone ownership while preserving its existing leadership structure. Current President Richard Leach will continue overseeing the company as CEO, with the platform’s management team remaining in place.
The acquisition brings together two partners with distinct roles in Curve’s future development. Jamen Capital will provide long-term investment and financial support, while Merlin’s involvement reflects the independent sector’s desire to maintain access to neutral, industry-focused infrastructure.
The appeal of Curve extends beyond its software. He pointed to the platform’s reputation among labels, distributors, artists and publishers, arguing that royalty and data infrastructure will become increasingly valuable as the music business grows more complex. Spetzler also highlighted opportunities to expand Curve’s capabilities across both publishing and payment services.
Merlin CEO Charlie Lexton described Curve as a critical resource for independent music companies worldwide. He said the organization viewed the platform’s neutrality as essential and saw the acquisition as an opportunity to ensure that key industry infrastructure remains aligned with the needs of the independent community.
Curve was acquired as part of Downtown Music Holdings, which Virgin Music Group agreed to purchase in late 2024. European regulators approved the broader transaction earlier this year but required Curve to be sold to an independent buyer before the acquisition could be fully completed.
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