BMG Acquires Evergreen

BMG NABS ANOTHER: BMG Rights Management has acquired Evergreen Copyrights with funds managed by Trilantic Capital Partners for a reported $80 million. The U.S.-based Evergreen was founded by Richard Perna, David Schulhof and noted music business attorney Joel Katz, and includes a variety of compositions performed by MC Hammer, Eric Clapton, Teddy Riley, Nick Drake, Bill Monroe and 2Pac, including “U Can’t Touch This,” “Cocaine,” “Kiss Me,” John Waite’s “Missing You,” Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful” and Michael Jackson’s “Remember The Time.” This follows BMG’s recent purchase of pubbieries Cherry Lane, Adage IV and Stage Three Music. As part of the deal, Trilantic Capital Partners has acquired a single-digit stake in BMG along with private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. and Bertlesmann AG. (9/20a)