All Brands Owned by Beggars Group

Who owns Beggars Group?
Since October 2024, Beggars Group has been owned by the MM Settlement Trust, a trust connected to founder and Chairman Martin Mills. The trust structure was established to preserve the company's independence and ensure continuity for future generations. Martin Mills continues as chairman and Paul Redding continues as CEO. The company has no parent organization and is not affiliated with any major label or media conglomerate.

Is Beggars Group publicly traded?
No. Beggars Group is a privately held company and is not listed on any stock exchange. The company files financial results with the UK's Companies House but does not publicly disclose detailed ownership percentages beyond what is required by filing regulations.

What labels does Beggars Group own?
Beggars Group owns 4AD (100%), XL Recordings (51% majority stake since October 2024), Matador Records (50%), Rough Trade Records (50%), Young Recordings (51% via XL), and Beggars Banquet Records. The group acquired its majority stake in XL Recordings by paying co-owner Richard Russell GBP £2.6 million in October 2024.

What artists are signed to Beggars Group labels?
Beggars Group labels have released music by Adele (XL Recordings), The xx (Young/XL), Vampire Weekend (XL), Pavement (Matador), Yo La Tengo (Matador), Cocteau Twins (4AD), The National (4AD), FKA twigs, Grimes, Interpol, M.I.A., Queens of the Stone Age, Radiohead, and many others. In 2024, key releases included Adrianne Lenker's Bright Future, Future Islands' People Who Aren't There Anymore, Fontaines D.C.'s Romance, and Peggy Gou's I Hear You.

When was Beggars Group founded?
Beggars Group was founded in 1977 by Martin Mills and Nick Austin as Beggars Banquet Records, a record shop and label in London. The company celebrated its 49th anniversary in September 2024.

Why has Beggars Group remained independent?
Martin Mills has consistently stated that independence allows the company to make decisions based on artistic merit and long-term artist relationships rather than short-term commercial pressures. The company has declined acquisition offers from major labels throughout its history. The October 2024 transfer of ownership to the MM Settlement Trust was a deliberate step to ensure the company remains independent beyond Mills' lifetime.

What is Beggars Group's revenue?
Beggars Group reported total revenue of GBP £109.9 million ($140.4 million) for calendar year 2024, up 6.5 percent from 2023. Operating profit was GBP £10.5 million ($13.4 million), up 48.6 percent year over year. The company paid GBP £5 million in dividends in 2024 after paying none in 2023.