UK-based music rights company Bella Figura Music has acquired the publishing catalog of Grammy, Academy Award, and Golden Globe-winning producer and songwriter Paul Epworth.
Founded by former BMG UK President Alexi Cory-Smith in 2022, BellaFigura Music says it has more than $200 million in music rights under ownership and management.
The company’s latest acquisition covers Epworth’s publishing catalog and producer income, including some of his co-writes and productions on Adele’s 21 album, such as Rolling in the Deep, and the Academy Award and Golden Globe-winning Skyfall, which he co-wrote with Adele.
The deal also covers Epworth’s work with Florence + The Machine across Lungs and Ceremonials, and collaborations with Rihanna, ArloParks, GlassAnimals, PaulMcCartney, and many more.
Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Bella Figura says Epworth’s work has contributed to more than 100 million records sold worldwide, earning himseven Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, an Ivor Novello Award, three BRIT Awards for British Producer of the Year, four MPG Producer of the Year Awards, and an MPG Icon Award.
“Paul is one of those rare artists whose creative instincts and commercial impact are equally extraordinary, and we look forward to championing his work for generations to come.”
Alexi Cory-Smith, Bella Figura Music
Alexi Cory-Smith, CEO & Founder of Bella Figura Music, said: “For us, acquiring Paul’s catalog defines what Bella Figura was built to do.
“His body of work speaks for itself. Songs that have moved hundreds of millions of people and stand the test of time. We’re honoured to be the stewards of this catalog and we are committed to managing it with the long-term vision and care it deserves. Paul is one of those rare artists whose creative instincts and commercial impact are equally extraordinary, and we look forward to championing his work for generations to come.”
Epworth also commented on the deal, saying: “Bella Figura’s approach to catalog stewardship is exactly what I was looking for.”
“They are first and foremost a music company run by people who know and love music, and they appreciate that these songs and recordings are not just ‘assets’. Knowing that this music will be in the hands of a team that values both the commercial opportunity and the cultural legacy gives me confidence in handing my catalog over to them.”
“Knowing that this music will be in the hands of a team that values both the commercial opportunity and the cultural legacy gives me confidence in handing my catalog over to them.”
Paul Epworth
Following the deal, Epworth’s publishing catalog is administered by Sony, his publisher, and Bella Figura Music’s global administration partner.
The Epworth catalog will join assets that include the RAK Music Publishing repertoire (acquired in April 2024) and individual songs such as JoanJett’sI Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,The Human League’sDon’t You Want Me,RobbieWilliams‘ Angels,DavidGray’sWhite Ladder,AloeBlacc’sI Need A Dollar, Hot Chocolate’sYou Sexy Thing, and songs written with and performed by Adele, Amy Winehouse, Kylie Minogue, LeAnn Rimes, Keith Urban and more.
In February, Bella Figura acquired the publishing catalog of JonnyPierce, the songwriter and vocalist behind New York indie pop band/project TheDrums, marking the company’s first major deal since entering the US market.
In January, the company said it bought a “significant portion” of the catalog belonging to London-based indie label, JeepsterRecordings.
Bella Figura Music says it plans to open a Los Angeles office this year as it continues pursuing additional acquisitions.
