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Sat Bisla Acquires A&R Worldwide
October 10, 2006 at 10:12 AM (PT)
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PANGAEA ENTERTAINMENT GROUP founder SAT BISLA has reached an agreement with ENTERTAINMENT VENTURES partners STEVE SMITH and JIM McKEON to acquire A&R WORLDWIDE, its global music discovery conference MUSEXPO, and the syndicated radio program "PASSPORT APPROVED." McKEON will remain involved as a consultant through 2007.
BISLA said, "I’m very excited by the opportunities that lie ahead with PANGAEA ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, which has acquired A&R WORLDWIDE, MUSEXPO, and PASSPORT APPROVED. PANGAEA ENTERTAINMENT GROUP is a business that is spearheaded by myself and supported by my family, who have been integral in helping me do what I love most -- working with great artists and passion-driven people. It’s a natural evolution for A&R WORLDWIDE, MUSEXPO, and PASSPORT APPROVED to develop further with the spirit and passion of a family-owned business. We will continue to maintain the core focus of all three brands; however, we’ll be adding many components to help each entity make an even greater impact for both artists and our clients worldwide.
"I owe a debt of gratitude to everyone who has supported my passion and vision over the past two decades, in particular my family and friends. I’d like to thank STEVE SMITH for his financial support with the launch of A&R WORLDWIDE and MUSEXPO and wish him much success with his future endeavors. I’ve have had some memorable moments working alongside JIM McKEON and the A&R WORLDWIDE and MUSEXPO staff. I am excited to announce the addition of the newest members of the PANGAEA ENTERTAINMENT GROUP family in the coming weeks."
STEVE SMITH explains, "In 2003, SAT, JIM and I formed ENTERTAINMENT VENTURES, a new company which eventually gave birth to A&R WORLDWIDE, PASSPORT APPROVED, MUSEXPO and many other projects in which we all share great pride of accomplishment. SAT recently approached me about his interest in owning these businesses outright. And since I originally financed the company's startup entirely to try to help SAT realize his vision, this ‘passing of the torch’ seems entirely appropriate to me."
McKEON notes, "It’s been three and half years since the planning for A&R WORLDWIDE began, and I loved the experience and savor the many successes. SAT and I and the crew have had, most of all, a blast working with each other. I am pleased that we’ll continue together -- working on certain creative projects. I also plan to explore other fresh and inspiring adventures that find their way to my doorstep."
ALL ACCESS INDUSTRY DIRECTORY UPDATE:
A&R WORLDWIDE, MUSEXPO, and PASSPORT APPROVED have moved to new digs. The new address is: 8383 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 100, BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90211. The new phone number is: (323) 782-0770; FAX (323) 782-9835. SAT can be reached at sat@anrworldwide.com.

