Compact Media Group, the leading independent rights administrator and distributor of royalties for TV, film and music, has secured £17 million of investment from Lyceum Capital to drive the growth and development of the business.

Compact provides a broad range of collection and administration services which maximise royalty income for intellectual property rights owners such as producers, distributors, broadcasters, as well as government backed agencies and financial institutions.
The firm represents over 300 companies including BBC Worldwide, ITV Global Entertainment, Scottish Media Group, Fremantle Media, Channel 4, Discovery Communications, National Geographic, Icon, Echo Bridge and a number of the UK’s largest independent producers, including ALL3MEDIA, Shed and Hat Trick.

Established in 1995, the London-based firm has offices in Los Angeles, Amsterdam, Sydney and Paris and has successfully claimed and distributed over €125 million in royalties on behalf of its worldwide clients.

Independent investment firm Lyceum Capital has backed the existing management team, led by CEO John O’Sullivan and incoming Executive Chairman Richard Green, in a deal which acquires the stake previously held by founding shareholders.

Richard Green’s experience in the media sector spans 20 years. Most recently, he was a key architect behind the formation of 2entertain in 2004, where he held the position of CEO until September 2009. The 2entertain group includes one of the UK’s largest TV video publisher and Demon Music, the UK’s fifth largest record label. Richard has a strong track record of developing companies, with the ability to grow profits and build shareholder value.

Richard Green said: “Intellectual Property is the lifeblood for creators and this is especially pertinent for right holders in the film and TV industries. Compact has consistently raised the bar in terms of collection and service for its clients and is greatly respected.

“I am especially looking forward to meshing the prowess of John O’Sullivan and his team alongside the introduction of complementary strategic and financial support from Lyceum Capital to create new opportunities for our clients throughout the world.”

Lyceum Capital has invested £17 million for a majority stake and the deal will see the investor provide strategic input and additional capital to further develop the business.
This growth strategy will focus on developing Compact’s range of services, targeting new opportunities in international markets and expanding through complementary acquisitions.

Dan Adler, who led the deal for Lyceum Capital, said: “International rights management is a fragmented and increasingly complex area of the media industry and Compact’s success has been based on providing multi-jurisdiction services which maximise and protect revenues whilst reducing the administrative burden on the client.

“The highly experienced management team, which has been further strengthened with the appointment of Richard Green, has an outstanding track record of developing and delivering rights management services which are vital to the financial wellbeing of the industry.

“With Lyceum Capital’s investment and strategic support they will continue to deepen client relationships, expand the business’ international reach and develop the methodologies and service innovations that will enable media owners to recoup royalties in the evolving digital media arena.

“Compact is a great example of the innovative, industry leading firms which Lyceum Capital look to invest in, where a combination of management expertise and our strategic and funding support creates a strong platform for growth.”

John O’Sullivan, CEO of Compact Media Group, said: “It is truly fitting that as we enter our 15th full year of trading that we do so with heightened aspirations and a strengthening of our team. In Lyceum Capital we have found a dedicated and astute financial partner for us; and by securing Richard Green as our incoming Executive Chairman we are well placed to seize on further opportunities for our clients, old and new alike.”