Universal Buys ARS

Universal continues to use its cash surplus on acquisitions and has bought Belgian indie ARS Entertainment.

ARS managing director Patrick Busschots, who tied the deal with Universal international senior vice president Vico Antippas, will stay on as managing director of Universal Music Belgium. He succeeds Dirk de Clippeleir, who left Universal earlier this month.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"The future of our business lies in an entrepreneurial, hit-driven approach, and we believe that this new partnership with ARS Entertainment fits perfectly into that strategy," Antippas said in a statement.

Busschots said the move was "an emotional decision," as he built up ARS by "the sweat of my brow." He opened up the business as an Antwerp record shop in 1976.

He expanded it into a record label and had some global success in 1989 with Technotronic’s "Pump Up The Jam" single.

Since then the record company has broadened into ARS Entertainment, focusing on the local market with artists like M-Kids, Laura Lynn, ReBorn and Nailpin, among others. It’s also built up a DVD and book business.

The Kontich-based company employs 15 people, and has annual turnover of euro 10 million.

"Anyone who thinks that with this deal, I am going to take things easy does not know me at all. I have given a commitment to Universal Music that I will run their Belgian company with the same dedication and drive I brought to ARS," Busschots said, outlining his intentions for the future.

He said he’s looking forward to working with artists like U2, 50 Cent and Nelly Furtado and to introducing new artists like Kate Nash. ARS will continue to exist as a label for Belgian artists within Universal Music.