Last checked at 
12 Jun 2019 07:00
12 June 2019
Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited ("Hipgnosis" or the "Company")
Acquisition of Music Catalogue
The Board of Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited and its Investment Adviser, The Family (Music) Limited, are pleased to announce that the Company has acquired a music catalogue from Sam Hollander, an American songwriter and producer whose songs have achieved 10 Number 1, 47 Top 5 and 74 Top 10 Chart positions globally.
Sam Hollander has co-written multi-platinum certified hit songs for Fitz and the Tantrums, One Direction, Katy Perry, Blink-182, Weezer, Train, Metro Station, Boys Like Girls, Daughtry and Olly Murs. However, at the heart of his catalogue are 14 songs that Sam has written with his long-standing collaborators in Panic! At The Disco, including 9 songs on their US Number 1 and double platinum certified album 'Pray for the Wicked'. These are led by the multi-platinum certified single 'High Hopes' which is now the all-time longest-running Number 1 song on Billboard's Hot Rock Songs chart having just completed its 32nd week at Number 1. The song has sold almost 5 million copies, has been streamed more than 1 billion times across all platforms and has made it to the Top 10 in more than 30 countries around the world.
Sam Hollander has co-written songs such as 'Say Amen (Saturday Night)', 'Look Ma' and 'Emperor's New Clothes' by Panic! At The Disco, 'HandClap' by Fitz & The Tantrums, 'Rock Me' by One Direction, 'Cupid's Chokehold' by Gym Class Heroes, 'Marry Me' by Train, 'Shake Me' by Metro Station and many others which are all multi-platinum.
Hipgnosis has acquired 100% of Sam Hollander's interest including ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) income in his catalogue which comprises of 499 songs.
Sam Hollander was advised by Jonathan Ain at Kleinberg, Kaplan, Wolff & Cohen, P.C. and Lisa Socransky Austin at Law Office of Lisa Socransky Austin.
Merck Mercuriadis, Founder of The Family (Music) Limited and Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited, said:
"Sam Hollander has a hot hand. His numerous collaborations with Panic! At The Disco have been ruling the airwaves for almost 5 years now and setting new standards of success. From Panic! to One Direction and Fitz and The Tantrums he always helps to deliver the crossover hit that every band wants and needs. Nile and I are delighted to welcome Sam to the Hipgnosis family!"
Sam Hollander said:
"When I began the process of selling my catalogue to Hipgnosis, it felt like I was joining the 1927 Yankees. The legends Merck, Nile (my old friend / hero) and their incredible team have a forward thinking game plan that is both bold and exciting. It's such an honor to know that my songbook will play on, alongside some very esteemed company in the hands of these champs."
For further information, please contact:
The Family (Music) Limited Merck Mercuriadis
| Tel: +44 (0)1481 742742 |
N+1 Singer James Maxwell / James Moat (Corporate Finance) Alan Geeves / James Waterlow / Sam Greatrex (Sales)
| Tel: +44 (0)20 7496 3000 |
The Outside Organisation Alan Edwards / Nick Caley | Tel: +44 (0)7711 081 843 |
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited
(www.hipgnosissongs.com)
Hipgnosis, which was founded by Merck Mercuriadis, is a Guernsey registered investment company established to offer investors a pure-play exposure to songs and associated musical intellectual property rights. In its Initial Public Offering on the Specialist Fund Segment of the London Stock Exchange's main market on 11 July 2018, the Company raised approximately £200m gross equity capital. In its Subsequent Placing under its Placing Programme on 12 April 2019, the Company raised approximately £140m of further equity capital.
About The Family (Music) Limited
The Company's Investment Adviser is The Family (Music) Limited, which was founded by Merck Mercuriadis, former manager of globally successful recording artists, such as Elton John, Guns N' Roses, Morrissey, Iron Maiden and Beyoncé, and hit songwriters such as Diane Warren, Justin Tranter and The-Dream, and former CEO of The Sanctuary Group plc. The Investment Adviser has assembled an Advisory Board of highly successful music industry experts which include award winning members of the artist, songwriter, publishing, legal, financial, recorded music and music management communities, all with in-depth knowledge of music publishing. Members of The Family (Music) Limited Advisory Board include Nile Rodgers, The-Dream, Giorgio Tuinfort, Starrah, Nick Jarjour, David Stewart, Bill Leibowitz, Ian Montone, and Jason Flom.