Merlin and Jamen Capital Acquire Curve Royalty Systems from Universal
Universal Music Group and its Virgin Music Group subsidiary have agreed to the sale of Curve Royalty Systems to Jamen Capital and Merlin.
Curve Royalty Systems was part of Downtown Music Holdings, which Virgin Music Group acquired for $775 million in February 2026.
The European Commission ordered Universal Music Group to divest Curve as a condition for approval of the Downtown Music acquisition.
Curve will now function as an independent company.
The acquisition is pending final approval from the European Commission.
Jamen and Merlin will collaborate as strategic partners, with Jamen providing financial support.
Richard Leach will remain Curve CEO, and the existing management and staff will continue in their roles.
Richard Leach, CEO of Curve Royalty Systems: “This is an exciting moment for Curve. Throughout this process, our priority has been ensuring Curve remains an independent and agnostic platform, with a client-first approach that has earned the trust of rightsholders across the music industry. We are delighted to be entering this new chapter with Jamen and Merlin, whose vision for Curve aligns with our own. Their support secures Curve’s long-term independence and enables us to continue investing in expertise, technology and service that our clients rely upon. We look forward to building on our success together.”
