Sony Buys AWAL & Kobalt Neighboring Rights for $430 Million

On February 1st, 2020, news broke that SONY has agreed to pay Kobalt $430 million (USD) to acquire AWAL and Kobalt Neighboring Rights from the company. 

The two former subsidiaries of Kobalt will form a new division at SONY. AWAL will operate separately from SONY’s current indie label, The Orchard. Although, SONY plans to have The Orchard power AWAL in the future. 

Lonny Olinick will stay as AWAL’s CEO, while Ann Tausis will continue to lead Kobalt Neighbouring Rights operation. 

Olinick stated: “The AWAL team has futuristically enabled artists to deliver their creative vision since its inception. Now, as part of the global Sony ecosystem, we can dramatically expand on this vision for them.

“We are also excited to build on our innovative neighboring rights as well as DIY platforms with extended support from The Orchard.”