MUMBAI: ole, the world’s fastest growing independent rights management company, is expanding its holdings through the acquisition of more than 250 songs owned by Francois Lachance, founder of the Prime Time Agency and multi-platform music company Raccoons by Night Music. The worldwide admin deal gives ole the exclusive right to administer music copyrights and digital audio-visual rights for the Lachance catalog, which includes tracks by Canadian artists Patrick Kordyback (lead singer of the band Stereos, which won MuchMusic’s reality competition show disBAND); songwriter/recording duo Midaz & Ellie, who reached #31 on the Canadian Top 40 radio chart in August 2014 with “Down Together”; and The Suits XL, whose hit song “Play” was spun more than 5,000 times on Canadian pop radio. ole will also receive co-publishing rights to any new songs that are written or recorded because of their efforts.

“We look forward to working with the exciting artists on the Prime Time roster and the drive and entrepreneurial talent of Francois Lachance,” said Robert Ott, chairman and CEO of ole.

“It’s an honour for me, Prime Time Music, Francois Lachance Publishing, and Raccoons by Night Music to be part of the ole publishing family,” said Lachance. “I have always admired ole CEO and Founder Robert Ott and am looking forward to growing our business with ole. Our country, indie rock, and rhythm and pop catalogue is in good hands.”

Lachance founded the Prime Time Agency in 2003 as a multi-service event agency focusing on festivals and corporate events. In this capacity, he has worked with major artists such as Kenny Rogers, Simple Plan, CCR Revisited, Our Lady Peace, and Billy Talent.

He also serves as CEO of Prime Time Studio & Music, which provides music rights clearance services and produces original music for advertising campaigns, video games, movies, and TV series. The company has worked with big-name acts including U2, Arcade Fire, Jay Z, and more.

Lachance recently launched the pop-oriented multi-platform music company Raccoons by Night Music, which provides services such as recording, sponsorship, shows, merchandizing, and artistic direction strategy and consulting. The company’s products are marketed and distributed by Warner Music Canada.