Musicbusinessworldwide.com
Universal Music Greater China (UMGC) has strengthened its position in one of the world’s fastest-growing music markets with the acquisition of the Carrier Creative recorded music catalog, securing a collection widely associated with the rise of Mandopop during the 1980s and 1990s.
Announced during UMGC’s inaugural China Summit in Beijing, the deal brings a significant body of classic Chinese-language recordings under the Universal Music umbrella. The catalog includes music from influential acts such as Little Tigers, acclaimed singer-songwriter Johnny Chiang and artists including Nicky Wu, Alec Su, Hong Hai Er, You Huan Pai Dui and Girl Group.
The acquisition marks UMGC’s first catalog purchase in the region and reflects a growing focus on both tradition and long-term investment opportunities within Greater China.
The move builds upon a partnership established last year between Universal Music and Taiwan-based Skyhigh Entertainment, which previously oversaw the catalog. Through that collaboration, more than 600 recordings and dozens of albums were restored, remastered and reintroduced to streaming platforms, bringing a generation-defining collection of music to new audiences around the world.
The catalog represents a foundational piece of Chinese popular music history, as expressed by UMGC Chairman and CEO Timothy Xu. He described the collection as a cultural touchstone that helped shape the identity and experiences of an entire generation, while emphasizing Universal’s commitment to preserving and expanding its legacy.
The acquisition arrives at a pivotal moment for the Chinese music industry. According to recent IFPI data, China surpassed Germany in 2025 to become the world’s fourth-largest recorded music market, fueled by more than 20% annual revenue growth. The rapid expansion has encouraged major music companies to increase investment in both local artists and valuable catalog assets.
The deal also highlights Universal’s broader ambitions in the region. Under Xu’s leadership, the company has secured partnerships with some of China’s most recognizable artists, including Liu Huan and, more recently, singer-songwriter and producer Jason Zhang.
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