Baker McKenzie Thailand Advised RS Group On Major Music Deal
Baker McKenzie Thailand Advised RS Group On Major Music Deal
Baker McKenzie Thailand has represented RS Public Company Limited and RS Music Co., Ltd. (collectively referred to as RS Group) in a landmark transaction in Thailand's music industry—the divestment of RS Group's entire music catalog to Universal Music Group and Universal Music (Thailand) Limited (UMG Group).
This recent transaction follows the firm's earlier representation of RS Group in 2023, where they facilitated the sale of the company's interests in its music catalog assets and a joint venture with UMG Group. The latest sale, which involves additional stakes in the catalog, is valued at USD 65 million.
The team, led by Partner Nuchaya Timrat, provided expert guidance throughout the entire transaction process, beginning with the initial sale and culminating in the recent stake acquisition. Other key members of the team included Partner Naris Asavathongkul and Associates Thitapa Haritaworn, Wichaya Chatsikharinthorn, Kantaphon Lotangchanintra, and Tonpan Pokeaw.
The RS Group's music catalog ranks as the second largest in Thailand, encompassing over 10,000 master recordings and 6,000 copyright ownerships, publishing rights, and licenses that date back to 1981. This strategic partnership aligns with RS Public Company Limited's broader business objectives. Under the joint venture, RS Group will maintain rights to offline distribution channels, while Universal Music Group will manage global digital distribution rights.
This partnership not only provides RS Group with significant capital to enhance its music operations but also enables the exploration of new high-potential business ventures. As RS Group undertakes a restructuring of its music business, it is also preparing for a planned listing on the Stock Exchange of Thailand in 2027.
This transaction signals an exciting new phase for entertainment mergers and acquisitions in the Thai market, which is recognized as one of the fastest-growing music markets in Asia. The increasing popularity of digital streaming services offers further opportunities for growth, including the development of innovative music and content formats, long-term intellectual property monetization, and additional capital sources for expansion into other promising areas.
