J
Justin Herrick
Guest
Two music streaming services made announcements on Monday, both very different in their nature. Just as Rdio files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Pandora is buying “key assets” from one its many rivals. Pandora is spending $75 million on what’s left of Rdio to “accelerate the company’s plans to offer fans greater control over the music they love.” Select employees of Rdio will be given the opportunity to move over to Pandora.
The surviving music streaming service expects to launch an “expanded Pandora listening experience” by the end of 2016.
Hit the break for the full press release.
Pandora to Acquire Key Assets from Rdio
OAKLAND, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Nov. 16, 2015– Pandora (NYSE: P), the world’s most powerful music discovery platform, today announced an agreement to acquire several key assets from Rdio, a pioneer in streaming music technology. This will accelerate the company’s plan to offer fans greater control over the music they love, strengthening Pandora’s position as the definitive source of music.
“Whether streaming through radio, on-demand or in-person at live events, Pandora is building the definitive source for fans to discover and celebrate music,” said Brian McAndrews, chief executive officer at Pandora. “Wherever and however fans want to hear music, we intend to be their go-to destination.”
In addition to acquiring technology and intellectual property from Rdio, many members of Rdio’s team will be offered roles with Pandora, subject to close of the agreement. The company expects to offer an expanded Pandora listening experience by late 2016, pending its ability to obtain proper licenses.
More details about Pandora’s future vision will be shared during an investor call today at 1:30 p.m. PT. (Details below.)
The purchase price is $75 million in cash, subject to certain purchase price adjustments.
“We are defining the next chapter of Pandora’s growth story,” continued McAndrews. “Adding live music experiences through Ticketfly was a transformative step. Adding Rdio’s impressive technology and talented people will fast-track new dimensions and enhancements to our service. I couldn’t be more optimistic about Pandora’s future and the future of music.”
“The Rdio team built an acclaimed product and technology platform that has consistently led innovation in the young streaming industry. I’m pleased that many members of the Rdio team will continue to shape the future of streaming music, applying our tradition of great design and innovative engineering on an even larger stage with Pandora,” said Anthony Bay, chief executive officer of Rdio.
The transaction is contingent upon Rdio seeking protection in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California. Upon approval of the proposed transaction by the bankruptcy court, Rdio will be winding down the Rdio-branded service in all markets. Pandora is not acquiring the operating business of Rdio, and is acquiring the technology and talent to accelerate its own business strategy. The transaction is subject to the approval of the Bankruptcy Court, which will supervise an auction for the assets of Rdio, as well as other customary closing conditions.
Listen to Pandora’s investor call today at 1:30 p.m. PT. A live audio webcast of the event will be available on the Pandora Investor Relations website at http://investor.pandora.com. A live dial-in is available at (877) 355-0067, or (443) 853-1239 internationally, using passcode 80010898. A replay will be available at (855) 859-2056 or (404) 537-3406, using passcode 80010898, and available via webcast replay until November 30, 2015.
ABOUT PANDORA
Pandora is the world’s most powerful music discovery platform – a place where artists find their fans and listeners find music they love. We are driven by a single purpose: unleashing the infinite power of music by connecting artists and fans, whether through earbuds, car speakers, live on stage or anywhere fans want to experience it. Our team of highly trained musicologists analyze hundreds of attributes for each recording which powers our proprietary Music Genome Project®, delivering billions of hours of personalized music tailored to the tastes of each music listener, full of discovery, making artist/fan connections at an unprecedented scale. Founded by musicians, Pandora empowers artists with valuable data and tools to help grow their careers and connect with their fans.
Come comment on this article: Rdio shutters, Pandora buys “key assets”
Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more!
News via TalkAndroid