Warner Music buys Zebralution Music from Bookwire
Warner Music Group says the German distributor’s independent-label partners will gain access to distribution, analytics and financial tools powered by Revelator.
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Warner Music Group said on 3 November 2026, that it had acquired Zebralution Music GmbH, a distributor serving independent record labels in Germany and Europe, from publishing technology provider Bookwire. Financial terms were not disclosed. Billboard said the deal returns part of a business Warner previously owned to the company.
Warner bought Zebralution in 2007 and sold it to its founders in 2017. Bookwire acquired Zebralution from German performance rights organization GEMA in March 2026, then separated the music business.
What changes for labels
Warner says partner labels will gain direct access to its technology, including distribution, analytics and financial tools powered by Revelator, a music distribution platform it acquired following an April deal. Niels Walboomers, president of Warner Music Central Europe, says the combination of Zebralution’s regional expertise and Warner’s technology and global reach will give partners greater capabilities without requiring them to give up their independence.
Zebralution Music co-CEO Sascha Lazimbat says the same team, relationships and commitment to service will remain. Fellow co-CEO Konrad von Löhneysen says partners can expect the same approach and independence, and that his own label, Embassy of Music, will remain a client. The co-founders will continue to lead the company and work with Walboomers on strategic operations.
Bookwire’s publishing focus
Bookwire says it separated the music business because music and digital publishing have different markets, customer structures and requirements. It says the sale focuses Zebralution on digital publishing and will allow Bookwire to give more attention to its publishing customers and channel partners. Its publishing business covers audiobooks, e-books and print-on-demand.
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