Bella Figura Music acquires Rak Publishing

22 April 2024 - Press release

Agreement Includes Classic Songs by Hot Chocolate, Suzi Quatro, Steve Harley, Kim Wilde, Joan Jett & more

 

Bella Figura Music, the independent music publisher and record label founded by Alexi Cory-Smith and Neelesh Prabhu in 2022, has announced the acquisition of RAK Publishing (RAK).

RAK was founded in 1969 by the legendary record producer Mickie Most and his wife Christina and now represents over a hundred writers including the Ivor Novello Winner Errol Brown and BASCA Gold Badge recipients Steve Harley and Suzi Quatro.

RAK publishes an extensive and varied catalogue of over 1500 copyrights, which spans over 50 years and includes classic hits such as "You Sexy Thing" recorded by Hot Chocolate, "Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)" recorded by Steve Harley & The Cockney Rebel, "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" recorded by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, “Kids in America” recorded by Kim Wilde, "Music" recorded by John Miles, and many others.  

Nathalie Hayes, MD of RAK Group of Companies said "My parents started RAK Publishing 55 years ago. I grew up knowing so many of the RAK writers as they were often on holiday with us! It has been an absolute honour to look after such an amazing catalogue for the last 26 years. I am so happy that the Bella Figura Music team are taking the reins as they share the ethos of being boutique and I know that they will take great care of such wonderful songs”

Alexi Cory-Smith, Co-Founder & CEO of Bella Figura Music said, “’I’ve been a fan of the RAK catalogue for many years. I have loved these songs and artists since I was a kid. I was mesmerised by Errol Brown when I watched Hot Chocolate on Top of the Pops as a young girl – people don’t appreciate how ground breaking and important a band they were/are; but we have plans for that - and I just wanted to be Kim Wilde – I got suspended from school for cutting off and peroxiding my hair to look like hers (I was about 13), when “Kids in America” came out. RAK is a British Music icon and it’s no exaggeration to say that this deal ranks among the proudest achievements of my career. I pinch myself every day realising Bella Figura is now part of it, and we will work our socks off to look after and promote their amazing legacy.”