Downtown Music Publishing Expands UK Operations Acquires Eagle-i Music and Names Roberto Neri MD

Downtown Music Publishing (Downtown) is expanding its UK operations through a strategic acquisition of London-based music publisher Eagle-i Music. Additionally, Downtown has named Eagle-i’s Co-Founder and Managing Director, Roberto Neri, as Managing Director of Downtown UK.  The announcement was made today by Downtown’s CEO, Justin Kalifowitz.

A veteran of the music publishing industry, Neri co-founded Eagle-i Music in 2011, securing rights to such diverse songwriters and catalogs as BA Robertson, Brian Jonestown Massacre and Deep Purple.  Prior to Eagle-i, Neri served as Group Vice President, International and General Manager of Bug Music UK.  He began his career in music rights with the PRS in 1999.

Neri said “I am excited to now be part of Downtown, their balance of creativity and technology has brought them to the forefront of the industry. I would like to thank Beringea, Simon Hosken, Terry Shand and Geoff Kempin and wish them well in the future. “

Downtown UK will also be welcoming Eagle-i’s Head of Administration, Joe Woolmore, Sync Coordinator Luke Montague and Creative Coordinator Ninon Coletti into the fold.  The team will be joining Downtown UK’s A&R Manager, Tom Graham.

In addition to acquiring Eagle-i’s music publishing assets, Downtown is also acquiring the company's neighbouring rights and production library businesses and will be integrating those operations across its global network.  

“As a company, we have been fortunate to represent many of the UK’s most inspiring songwriters and publishers,” said Kalifowitz. “British music has not only made a huge impact on our business, but continues to enrich our lives.  With that in mind, I'm thrilled to welcome Roberto and the team to Downtown as we expand our operations in London.”

Beringea LLP, the original investors in Eagle-i, are pleased to be realizing their investment in the Company.

About Downtown Music Publishing

Downtown Music Publishing is leading global music rights management business with offices in New York, Amsterdam, London, Los Angeles and Nashville.  Established in 2007, the Company owns and manages some of the most well-known song copyrights in popular music. Catalogs in Downtown’s portfolio include the works of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, celebrated film composer Hans Zimmer, singer/songwriter Randy Newman and the pop band One Direction.  For more information visit dmpgroup.com

About Beringea
Beringea is an international venture capital firm with offices in London and Detroit, managing over $500m of assets. In the UK, Beringea LLP manages the ProVen VCTs and Beringea Growth Finance. Beringea launched its first VCT in 1996, making it one of the most experienced VCT managers in the UK. For more information visit beringea.co.uk.