QA and localisation specialist Keywords Studios has expanded its audio services to offering music with its latest acquisitions.

It has purchased London-based Cord Worldwide, which offers music-focused branding and strategic consulting services to businesses. Its current clients include Shell, LEGO and BT.

It has also bought music services and record label Laced Music, which specialises in working on games.

Both firms were bought from previous owner Cutting Edge for £4.5 million, though they will still collaborate with the former parent company.

The close partnership will mean games developers can access Cutting Edge’s catalogue of media music rights.

Spending spree

Keywords has also bought audio production company Maximal Studio for €300,000. The deal could rise to €500,000 depending on performance.

“We are delighted that we will be able to add further value to our games clients through Laced’s specialism in licensing video game soundtracks for game companies and from music composers, and Cord’s expertise in music composition, rights management, music strategy consulting and audio branding,” said Keywords CEO Andrew Day (pictured).

“We also see a clear opportunity to bring our localisation, voice over and trailer creation capabilities to Cord’s broader client base of leading brands.”

Following years of aggressive acquisition spending, Keywords now oversees 42 branches across four continents.

Group revenue for 2017 increased by 57 per cent to €151.4 millionn, while profits before tax rose 55 per cent to €23 million.

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