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    "headline": "BMG and Concord Merger Complete; Bob Valentine Named CEO",
    "dek": "BMG and Concord have finalized their merger, appointing Bob Valentine as CEO of the new global music company.",
    "prose": "BMG and Concord confirmed the successful completion of their merger on September 1, 2026, creating a new global music company. [^1]\n\nBob Valentine now assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer of the combined company, with Thomas Coesfeld serving as Chairman. [^2]\n\nBMG and Concord have officially completed their merger and will operate under the BMG name. [^3]\n\nAffiliates of Great Mountain Partners received a one-time cash payment of USD $1.16 billion from Bertelsmann as part of the transaction. [^4]\n\nThe combined company will operate under the BMG name and be owned approximately 67% by Bertelsmann and approximately 33% by affiliates of Great Mountain Partners. [^5]\n\nBertelsmann will own 67% of the new entity, while affiliates of investment firm Great Mountain Partners will own the remaining 33%. [^6]\n\nBob Valentine, the former CEO of Concord, has been appointed CEO of the merged company. [^7]\n\nThomas Coesfeld, the previous BMG boss, will serve as chairman of the merged entity before being promoted to CEO and chairman of Bertelsmann at the start of 2027. [^8]",
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