Nettwerk Music Group Announces $300 Million Buyout in Partnership With Create

In a significant move for the independent music sector, the long-established Nettwerk Music Group is undergoing a management buyout. The Canadian company's existing leadership team is acquiring the business from its current investors with strategic backing from Create Music Group, with the deal slated for completion before the month's end.

Under the proposed terms, Create Capital—the investment arm of Create Music Group—is committing over $300 million upon closure. This capital injection is designed to empower Nettwerk's management to increase their equity stake, ensuring the label retains its market identity and operational independence. The agreement also grants Nettwerk access to substantial follow-on financing and support services, resources aimed at fueling frontline growth and new talent development. As stated in the announcement, the label will continue to serve its existing artist roster while maintaining its commitment to discovering and nurturing new acts.

The day-to-day leadership, including artist signings and development, will remain under the purview of Nettwerk's current team, now augmented by Create's extensive platform. Nettwerk was founded over four decades ago by Terry McBride and Mark Jowett. Terry McBride, whose early management career included guiding acts like Avril Lavigne, strategically expanded the company from a management firm into a multifaceted record label and music publisher. Today, its diverse roster features artists such as the viral folk sensation Paris Paloma, the globally popular singer-songwriter Passenger, and acclaimed acts like SYML and Mon Rovîa.

This partnership provides Nettwerk with critical infrastructure, including global distribution networks and comprehensive label services from Create Music Group. Industry analysts note that such alliances are becoming increasingly vital for independent labels to compete at a global scale, providing the technological and financial muscle often reserved for major corporations. "Access to this level of scalable infrastructure can be a game-changer for an indie's ability to break artists internationally," commented a veteran A&R executive familiar with the deal.

"We're excited about this next chapter in Nettwerk's journey," said Terry McBride, co-founder and CEO. "Partnering with Create allows us to build on our foundation, grow our capabilities, and provide even more value to the artists we represent—while staying true to our roots as an artist-focused, independent Canadian label." Echoing this sentiment, Create Music Group CEO and co-founder Jonathan Strauss praised the Nettwerk team, stating, "Terry and his team have built one of the most enduring and influential independent music companies in the modern era. We are excited to put all of our resources behind them to fuel Nettwerk's continued global growth."