IMAGEM MUSIC SIGNS LONG TERM DEAL WITH SPARKS

Ron and Russell Mael of Sparks

London, May 17th 2009 - Imagem Music has announced the signing of a long-term, global publishing agreement, for the entire Sparks back catalogue.

Sparks originally formed in Los Angeles in the early '70's, the brainchild of brothers Ron (keyboards) and Russell Mael (vocals). The band's long career has seen them successfully adopt many different musical genres and become a huge influence for successive generations of their peers. Their frequently changing styles and visual presentations have kept the band at the forefront of experimentation and uniqueness in pop music.

The 2002 release of Lil' Beethoven, their "genre-defying opus", as well as the more recent albums Hello Young Lovers (2006, their 20th studio album) and Exotic Creatures Of The Deep (2008) has brought Sparks renewed critical and commercial success, and seen them continue to "steer clear of pop conventions."

This new agreement, which is effective immediately, includes such classic hits as: 'This Town Ain't Big Enough for Both of Us', 'Beat the Clock' and 'The Number One Song in Heaven,' plus the twenty or so albums that Sparks have released since 1974.

Ron and Russell Mael of Sparks said, ""We are extremely happy that our catalogue is now with Imagem Music Group. It's great to be working with people who understand our legacy and genuinely appreciate our music. We have been hugely impressed with Imagem Music's enthusiasm and ideas - they are an innovative and forward thinking team and we look forward to working with them."

Tim Smith, Managing Director of Imagem UK said, "It's a real privilege to be working with Ron and Russell and such an iconic canon of music. We have already got lots of ideas of how we can reinvigorate what we feel is an undervalued and underexploited catalogue in sync and other areas. Sparks are not content to rest on their laurels, they are always moving forward and we have already had some great discussions about how we can help them put together a range of really interesting projects."

-ENDS-

For further information:
Andy Saunders, Velocity Communications
+ 44 (0) 207 060 9111 or + 44 (0) 7939 133050
andy@velocitypr.co.uk

About Imagem Music

Launched in 2007 as a partnership between CP Masters BV and Dutch pension fund APG, Imagem Music Group is the world's leading independent music publisher. The company specializes in acquiring and managing music publishing rights and owns a wide range of catalogues including Rondor UK, Zomba UK, 19 Music and the BBC Music. Other companies that Imagem Music Group owns are the world's largest classical music publisher Boosey & Hawkes and The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization among others.

www.imagem.com