Manatt Entertainment Partners Christopher Chatham, Eric Custer, John Meller and Beau Stapleton were named to Variety’s 2024 Dealmakers of the Year list, which recognizes the advisors behind some of the most impactful transactions in the industry.
Chatham was noted for helping Dr. Phil McGraw with the launch of Merit Street Media, which is available to more than 80 million homes via partnerships with a mix of broadcast, cable, satellite and FAST channel platforms. Discussing how he helps clients leverage their content to build their businesses, Chatham said: “Our clients are building robust first-party data operations through their content, then leveraging that to launch everything from spirits, sports drinks, condiments and lifestyle brands. The content is essentially a marketing catalyst for their broader business empire.”
One of the only lawyers in the U.S. who handles music copyright terminations and reversions, Custer was recognized for closing 23 separate multi-million dollar music asset acquisition deals over the past 18 months, including for Reservoir Media and Seeker Music. He was also noted for his work serving as general counsel for artists including Neil Young and the Pixies. “Now with the ascendency of streaming, touring and music asset sales transactions, there is never a dull day,” he said.
Meller’s profile highlighted his work advising Chord Music Partners in its $240 million sale process, during which KKR sold its majority stake to a consortium comprising of Universal Music Group and Dundee Partners. This was a major music industry transaction for a company now valued at $1.85 billion. With the music industry trending toward self-reliance for artists and songwriters, Meller said: “Artists can set their own destiny. We help songwriter clients self-administer and get the most value from their works.”
Known for advising buyers and sellers of iconic intellectual property, Stapleton was recognized for his work advising Pophouse Entertainment with its purchase of KISS’ music catalog and its acquisition of a majority share in the publishing and royalties of Cyndi Lauper's music. Discussing the ongoing efforts for performers and songwriters to get paid their fair share of streaming revenues, Stapleton said: “Now, with AI technologies boosting the occurrence of streaming fraud and flooding DSPs with authorless music, artists are facing a new threat to their hard-won share of the streaming ecosystem.”
Read their full profiles here.