Bella Figura Music Acquires Paul Epworth Publishing Catalog, Including Work with Adele, Florence + The Machine and More

Why It Matters

The acquisition deepens Bella Figura’s foothold in the premium catalog market, boosting its revenue potential and signaling continued consolidation in music publishing. It also positions the firm to leverage streaming‑driven royalties from some of the industry’s most enduring hits.

Key Takeaways

• Bella Figura adds Paul Epworth’s hits, including Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep”.
• Catalog includes award‑winning songs “Skyfall” and Florence + The Machine tracks.
• Acquisition pushes Bella Figura’s holdings past $200 million in music rights.
• Deal expands Bella’s US footprint ahead of Los Angeles office launch.
• No financial terms disclosed; Sony will administer publishing rights.

Pulse Analysis

The music publishing landscape has entered a phase of aggressive catalog consolidation, driven by the predictable cash flow of streaming royalties and the allure of evergreen hits. Investors and rights firms are paying premium multiples for catalogs that generate consistent income across platforms, sync placements, and live performances. Bella Figura Music, a relatively new player that amassed $200 million in assets within two years, is capitalizing on this trend by targeting high‑profile songwriters whose work spans multiple genres and generations.

Paul Epworth’s catalog represents a rare blend of commercial success and cultural cachet. With contributions to Adele’s multi‑platinum album "21," the James Bond anthem "Skyfall," and chart‑topping records by Florence + The Machine, his songs have collectively moved over 100 million units worldwide. Such breadth ensures diversified revenue streams—from mechanical royalties on streaming services to lucrative sync deals in film and advertising. By securing both publishing rights and producer income, Bella Figura positions itself to capture a larger share of these earnings while offering the artist a steward focused on long‑term value preservation.

Strategically, the acquisition dovetails with Bella Figura’s expansion into the U.S. market. Opening a Los Angeles office will facilitate closer relationships with American songwriters, publishers, and media partners, enhancing deal flow and administration efficiency. As the firm adds assets like the RAK Music Publishing repertoire and notable single‑song rights, it builds a portfolio capable of competing with legacy houses such as Sony/ATV and Universal Music Publishing. The move underscores a broader industry shift where nimble, capital‑rich firms are reshaping ownership structures, ultimately influencing how royalties are collected and distributed in the digital age.