U.S. media firm Warner Music takes over Dutch record label Cloud 9

The American entertainment company Warner Music Group has acquired the Dutch record label Cloud 9 Recordings, the companies announced on Thursday without mentioning figures. They described the acquisition as “the start of intensive collaboration between both labels.”

Cloud 9 is one of the leading labels in the Netherlands, representing artists like Claude, Jaap Reesema, Kris Kros Amsterdam, Snelle, and Turfy Gang. Co-founder Raymond van Vliet will remain as president of Cloud 9 Recordings and it will continue to operate as a separate label.

“We are very excited to welcome Raymond and the Cloud 9 team to our team,” said Niels Walboomers, the president of recorded music & publishing for Warner Music Group Benelux. “Cloud 9 has made a significant mark on the Dutch music market with its versatility and expertise. Over the past five years, they have had no fewer than eight number 1 hits in the Dutch Top 40 with five different artists.”

Warner Music Group intends to “strengthen the Cloud 9 catalog and create new opportunities and inspiring collaborations for everyone,” Walboomers said.

Van Vliet pointed out that Cloud 9 Recordings will celebrate its 20th anniversary on November 1. “It is a proud moment to sell this wonderful company on the eve of this anniversary,” he said.

“In the coming years, I will continue to lead Cloud 9, which means that I and our team, supplemented with the expertise of Warner, will continue to represent our artist roster. We will take the next steps in the careers of our artists and further expand Cloud 9.”