Universal Music Group (UMG) has announced the acquisition of Stiff Records, ZTT and Perfect Songs music publishing from SPZ Group, the company founded by Jill Sinclair and record producer, Trevor Horn.
The deal brings the labels into the UMG fold, along with master rights to the entire ZTT catalogue and select Stiff recordings from artists including Art Of Noise; Frankie Goes To Hollywood; Jona Lewie; Kirsty MacColl; Shane MacGowan; Propaganda; Sam And The Womp; Lisa Stansfield; Tracey Ullman; Wreckless Eric and 808 State.
Perfect Songs Publishing will also become part of UMG, which will develop new creative and commercial opportunities for its song library, home to Seal's songwriting catalogue and songs recorded by the likes of Eminem; Frankie Goes To Hollywood; Groove Armada; Michael Jackson; Holly Johnson; Alicia Keys; Little Mix; Mark Morrison and Olly Murs.
Sir Lucian Grainge, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, said, “Stiff and ZTT are truly unique and iconic labels that captured the zeitgeist of their generation and experienced great commercial success, whilst influencing contemporary music entirely on their own terms. With Perfect Songs, we are adding an award-winning publishing catalogue, rich with hits, acclaim and global success. UMG is committed to building upon the legacy of these revolutionary labels, in keeping with the spirit of their founders.”
SPZ Group & ZTT founder, Trevor Horn CBE, said “Jill started Perfect Songs and ZTT in the 80’s and I’m extremely proud of what she achieved. Lucian Grange and Jill were really good friends so I’m pleased that these catalogues are going to Universal.
"I’d like to thank all the writers and the artists on ZTT, Perfect and Stiff. It was a great experience and I enjoyed working with each one of you (most of the time). And I’d like to thank Paul Morley for all the wonderful times at ZTT, Steve Lipson and Anne Dudley, Liam Teeling and Chris O’Donnell [Stiff & Perfect] for their help along the way and Seal.”
