BECAUSE BUYS WMG'S LONDON

European indie Because Music has acquired the majority of the former London Records repertoire as part of the Warner Music divestment process, bringing more than 50 catalogs under its wing.

Because boss Emmanuel de Buretel (pictured) has ambitions to return the famed British label to its former glory, "with fresh ideas and talented people, all while using new opportunities on offer in terms of music, creativity, technology and data."

The former Warner Music 90, which includes music from Bananarama, Happy Mondays, Orbital and Jimmy Somerville, will be renamed London Music Stream as the London Records name is currently owned by UMG; it will operate separately from the Because Music U.K. office. The deal also includes music by Fine Young Cannibals, Bronski Beat, East 17, Goldie and Shakespears Sister.

“It is a great honour to be in a position to build on the legacy of the amazing creative vision established by Roger Ames and Tracy Bennett more than 25 years ago, and take London to a new level,” Buretel continued. “The catalog includes some incredible hit songs which we intend to revitalise in the digital age.”

This is the second acquisition for Because to come out of the Warner divestment process that was required as part of its purchase of Parlophone in 2013. Earlier this year, the label acquired the catalogues of 10 French artists, including Mano Negra, Rita Mitsouko, Camille and Les Negresses Vertes.

Because is home to artists such as Christine and the Queens, Metronomy, Major Lazer, Justice and Django Django, and was this week nominated for Best Label at the AIM Awards.