This year marked a major turning point for the Vancouver-founded Nettwerk Music Group when Create Music Group invested more than $300 million to support a management buyout and strategic partnership with Nettwerk, one of the biggest independent music deals involving a Canadian company in recent years. The deal allows Nettwerk to retain its independent leadership while gaining access to Create’s global infrastructure, distribution and capital. Terry McBride, who co-founded the company 40 years ago and famously played a big role in the development of artists like Sarah McLachlan and Skinny Puppy, increased his ownership stake while continuing his day-to-day role. Simon Mortimer-Lamb, meanwhile, has been appointed co-CEO, helping lead new audience-development initiatives within the company, including a “Black Box” team focused on navigating rapidly changing social and DSP algorithms in an increasingly crowded, AI-driven music landscape. The company it’s grown its active artists’ audience by 20% over the year across streaming and social platforms, reaching an audience of over 100 million.