Townsend Music is acquired by Dutch firm Artone

Great Harwood-based music retailer Townsend Music has been acquired by Dutch distributor and vinyl producer, Artone.

Established in 1978, the firm has grown into a global direct-to-customer e-commerce retailer and distributor of physical music products.

The company hosts artists’ websites and has collaborated with more than 1,000 performers including Kylie Minogue, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Van Morrison, Simply Red and Placebo.

Artone was founded in 2022, through a merger of Bertus Distribution and Record Industry.

The business specialises in the sale of physical music products, including vinyl pressing, distribution and label services. Record Industry is also recognised as one of the largest vinyl pressing plants in Europe.

As part of the acquisition, founder Steve Bamber will stay in the business for the handover period, with Bruce McKenzie and Alban Horrocks remaining in the senior leadership team, to support Artone’s ambitions to expand globally in Europe and the US.  

Steve Bamber, founder of Townsend Music, said: “The partnership with Artone offers Townsend a clear opportunity to push its European expansion strategy forward quickly, with Artone’s well established sales, distribution, and manufacturing facilities already in place.

"We are pleased to have reached a successful conclusion to this process, with thanks to the support of RSM's deal team.”

RSM UK provided sell-side advice on the deal, led by M&A partner James Wild, with support from Clare Martin, Alyssia Kaczmarczyk and Joe Stiles. Beyond Corporate provided legal advice.

James Wild, partner at RSM, said: "We are delighted to have advised Townsend Music on its sale to Artone, bringing together two closely aligned businesses in the global music retail market.

"The acquisition will support Artone’s global expansion plans in Europe and the US, open up opportunities for attracting new clients, and create additional revenue streams to support its next phase of strategic growth."