#China #Hong Kong #Naxos Music Group #Kuke Music #Klaus Heymann

Dispute Arises Between Co-Founders of Naxos Music Group and Kuke Music

In a significant development in the world of classical music, Klaus Heymann and Takako Nishizaki, the co-founders of Naxos Music Group (NMG), publicly disputed the legitimacy of an acquisition purportedly made by Kuke Music Holding Limited. This unfolding situation has implications not only for NMG but also for the global classical music landscape.

Background of Naxos Music Group

Naxos Music Group is known as a leading producer and distributor of classical music worldwide. Its extensive catalog and commitment to promoting classical music have earned it a respected position in the industry. NMG operates under the umbrella of Naxos One Holding Limited, which is a holding company that includes NMG and its various subsidiaries. Meanwhile, the Classical Music Museum Limited, which specializes in classical music investments, holds shares in NMG through its involvement with Naxos One.

On September 30, 2025, NMG issued a newsletter announcing the purported acquisition by Kuke Music. This acquisition reportedly involved Kuke Music acquiring shares from Desun Holding Limited and the issuance of new shares by Naxos One to Kuke Music. However, Heymann and Nishizaki assert that the issuance of this information is misleading and fails to represent the truth.

Co-Founders' Allegations

The duo's statement emphasizes that they never consented to the acquisition due to the absence of crucial information that they had requested. Moreover, they assert that there are ongoing disputes involving Classical Music Museum, Naxos One, and Desun regarding the acquisition. This situation suggests a multi-layered conflict that could have severe ramifications for the agreements between these entities.

Heymann elaborated further, pointing out a prior agreement made due to Kuke Music's significant debts in paying licensing fees owed to NMG. On August 4, 2025, NMG's board unanimously resolved to terminate its collaboration with Kuke Beijing, Kuke Music's Chinese counterpart. This decision was officially enacted effective September 30. Such a move marks a decisive step back from any cooperation with Kuke Music and signals deeper issues regarding their business relationship.

Issues Facing Kuke Music

Compounding the trouble for Kuke Music, public records indicate that multiple creditors have obtained monetary judgments against Kuke Beijing, involving contractual disputes. Furthermore, Kuke Beijing is subjected to various court-issued restrictive orders concerning its financial activities, raising serious concerns about the company's stability. The current financial circumstances surrounding Kuke Music remain unclear, casting a shadow over its future dealings.

Additionally, Mr. Yu He, who played a pivotal role in Kuke Music's management, has faced his own challenges with asset-freezing orders from the courts. These ongoing legal troubles present a precarious situation, further complicating any potential acquisitions involving NMG.

Warning for Users and Investors

In light of these developments, NMG's co-founders issued warnings that continued use of their digital services via Kuke Music or affiliates could infringe upon NMG's rights. They urged users to exercise caution and seek independent legal advice if uncertain, emphasizing the need for transparency in such negotiations.

Conclusion

As the conflict unfolds, the implications extend beyond just NMG and Kuke Music. This situation highlights the complexities of ownership and rights transfer in the classical music industry. As both sides prepare for the next steps, all eyes are on NMG and Kuke Music to see how this dispute will resolve and what it means for the future of classical music distribution.