BandLab purchases NME and Uncut from TI Media
Article by Alistair Wood
Fri 17 May 2019
Press Release from BandLab and TI Media
Comment: ESco currently handles subscriptions for BandLab's MusicTech and Guitar Magazine and will now also be handling subscriptions for Uncut from the 1st of July.
TI Media today announces it has agreed to sell its music titles NME and Uncut to BandLab Technologies. The deal - which includes the brands’ social, digital, print and experiential assets - is expected to complete by 31 May 2019.
Singapore-based BandLab Technologies pioneered a rapidly expanding social music creation platform and is acquiring NME and Uncut as part of its mission to grow out a major global music media business. The brands will join its media division which includes Guitar.com and MusicTech.
Marcus Rich, CEO, TI Media, says: “NME and Uncut will always have a special place in our story. Their reputation for stand-out, award-winning journalism spanning seven decades goes well beyond the world of music and I’m proud they’ve attained that status as part of our company.
“At the same time, we need to recognise that to achieve the next stage of their evolution, NME and Uncut will be better placed with a business that has music at its heart. Under BandLab Technologies’ ambitious ownership and direction, I’m confident both of these truly iconic brands will thrive.”
Meng Kuok, founder and CEO of BandLab Technologies, adds: “We are very excited to welcome NME and Uncut to the BandLab Technologies family. These brands occupy a treasured place in the UK music landscape and increasing relevance to the global music scene, which we are looking to enhance and extend. These two media brands will play an important role in continuing our vision to create a connected world of music.
“We’re especially pleased to be welcoming an experienced and knowledgeable editorial and commercial staff, to deliver cutting-edge and opinion-driven content for music lovers everywhere.”
It’s anticipated that all NME and Uncut staff will transfer with the sale and will continue to be based in the Blue Fin Building, London. There will be no interruption to Uncut’s publishing schedule.