Features
Because Group Live Arm Corida Acquires 50 Percent Stake In French Promoter Super!
Corida – Done deal
From left: Emmanuel de Buretel, Julien Catala and Assaad Debs post signing
Corida, the live arm of Paris-headquartered Because Group, has acquired a 50 percent stake in French independent promoter Super!.
The deal was decided on the eve of Pitchfork Music Festival Paris, Nov. 1-3, which is produced by Super!, as are two other key independent French festivals: Biarritz en Ete and Cabourg Mon Amour.
Those three events are now part of Corida Group’s festival portfolio, which also includes We Love Green and Peacock Festival.
Super! is also the executive producer of the Paris-edition of Red Bull Music Festival and curator of Villette Sonique Festival, which also takes place in the French capital.
Corida’s roster of acts it promoters grows as well, as Super! adds The xx, Bon Iver, Mumford & Sons, Jungle, Nicolas Jaar, Caribou and Four Tet.
Corida Group now has four independent promoters under its umbrella: Corida, Super!, The Talent Boutique and PiPôle. The group promises that “their combined expertise offers a distinct and innovative alternative to multinational promoters in Europe.”
Super! will continue to operate independently, but with the offer of resource and guidance from the wider group.
Combining multiple events, as well as booking and management under one roof, is one way of staying competitive in a worldwide events market that is dominated by few multinationals.
“In a globalized industry with multinational operators, being part of an independent group remains crucial to the Super! concept and the whole team,” said Super! founder Julien Catala said.
He added: “I am looking forward to working alongside Emmanuel, Olivier and their partners at the Corida Group in order to expand an independent, innovative and modern network, whilst cultivating a strong and unique artistic ambition.”
Corida Group MD Olivier Darbois said: “Together, we can be a real alternative, and attract the most talented independent acts touring France and Europe with a world class level of service”.
Because Music Group founder Emmanuel de Buretel commented: “I am particularly excited to have the opportunity to work with Julien and his team. He is an imaginative entrepreneur who has demonstrated over the past 12 years that you can build a real alternative in a very competitive market like France.
“He will be an important asset for Corida Group across artist development to festivals, and we look forward to building synergies across the Because umbrella.”
De Buretel is the former CEO of Virgin Europe and EMI Europe. He started Because Group as a music label created in 2004. Because Music is credited with building the international careers of French artists including Charlotte Gainsbourg or Justice.
Besides the label, Because Group comprises publishing, venues and management businesses.
Corida is the name of its promotion and venue management arm. It was founded in 1986 by Jacques Renault, founder of the legendary Bains Douches nightclub, and Assaad Debs, concert director at le Palace in Paris.
Corida promotes tours by Manu Chao, Charlie Winston, Catherine Ringer, Emilie Simon, Justice and Phoenix in France and abroad.
It also works with international artists in France, including Eric Clapton, Radiohead, Texas, Chris Rea, Mark Knopfler, Simply Red, Jamie Cullum, Rammstein, Ben Harper, Kraftwerk and others.
Corida’s management department, which looks after the careers of artists such as Catherine Ringer, Manu Chao, Renaud Letang, Micky Green, Piers Faccini, K. Mouzanar.
Since 2004, Corida is part of Because Group. CEO Assaad Debs remains a shareholder within Corida group.