Napalm Records Acquires SPV Records

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Austrian Rock and Metal record label Napalm Records Handels GmbH has acquired German label SPV GmbH. The partnering combines the labels “decades of renowned expertise and passion for music, their artists, and those who inspire it all – the fans”. The acquisition of SPV, which was founded in 1984 by Manfred Schütz, was completed at the end of November 2020.

The acquisition also brings SPV’s subsidiary labels into the Napalm Records family, including Steamhammer (who’s roster includes Sodom, Running Wild, Rage, and more), and Long Branch Records (who’s roster includes Agent Fresco, The Intersphere, A Pale Horse Named Death, and more). SPV will remain at the company’s current location in Hannover, Germany and the company will maintain its structure under managing director Frank Uhle.

Talking about the acquisition CEO of Napalm Records, Markus Riedler, said “The continuation and expansion of SPV GmbH as a distributor and the strengthening of the in-house labels are our major priorities. We will combine all forces, and link them with the power and worldwide network of Napalm Records in order to positively shape the future together.”

“The employees of SPV are music-savvy, extremely experienced experts who are needed, now more than ever, to survive in these turbulent times on the international market. Together with managing director Frank Uhle and his team, we will seize the opportunities that currently present themselves and face the ever-growing challenges that the modern music market brings with it.”

Adding “In the ever-changing music landscape, we will continue to deliver our strong digital setup alongside our partners The Orchard, and also continue to provide strong physical product distribution for both our retail partners and the fans worldwide via our mailorder stores.”

“We have purposefully launched and implemented this major project under difficult conditions in 2020. This was a great team effort, for which I would like to thank everyone involved, in particular to the attorneys Prof. Pascal Charles Amann (Napalm Records) and Joris Brand (SPV). For Napalm Records, this acquisition is without a doubt an extraordinary, historic moment.”

Frank Uhle, managing director at SPV adds “With Napalm Records, we have found a synergistically perfect partner for our artists, bands and labels. The international setup and the additional reach and power of Napalm’s marketing capabilities mean an important upgrade for SPV in tackling future tasks. I look forward to working with Markus Riedler and the affiliated teams to further strengthen and expand our position in the market.”

Internationally esteemed heavy rock and metal record labels Napalm Records Handels GmbH and SPV GmbH are pleased to announce that they have joined forces, combining decades of renowned expertise and passion for music, their artists, and those who inspire it all – the fans. pic.twitter.com/QzT41SxJx8

— Napalm Records (@NapalmRecords) December 17, 2020