A clear and confidential approach

For catalogue and IP valuation work, Stan will normally begin with an initial conversation to understand the scope of the assignment and explain how the advisory operates.

At the outset, the client may be asked to provide relevant legal agreements, royalty statements and supporting materials so that the likely time required can be assessed. This can be done under an NDA where required.

Following review, a quote is provided together with an expected timeframe for the work. If the client wishes to proceed, a consultancy agreement is drawn up between the client and Stan, contracting through his UK limited company, FD Connect Limited. This agreement is intended to protect the interests of both parties.

For this type of work, 50% of the agreed fee is payable on commencement, with the remaining balance payable on completion of the assignment and submission of the report.

Music corporate advisory assignments are tailored to the specific requirements of each client and transaction. The duration of an engagement varies according to the scope, complexity and stage of the work involved.

Clients engage Stan through a consultancy agreement with his UK limited company. Services may include strategic advice, transaction support, negotiations, valuations and related corporate advisory services.

Professional fees are agreed at the outset of each engagement and may be structured as a retainer, project fee or other agreed fee arrangement, depending on the nature of the assignment.

Invoices are issued in accordance with the agreed terms of engagement.

Independent valuation is not simply about establishing a price. It is about ensuring rights holders, investors and management teams make decisions based on objective analysis rather than market noise, ultimately protecting and maximising long-term catalogue value.

Alongside valuation work, clients often seek broader strategic guidance relating to rights ownership, acquisition opportunities, transaction preparation and long-term value creation.

Where appropriate, clients may also benefit from introductions to relevant industry participants, investors, publishers, labels and potential counterparties developed through years of experience across the music industry.

Any introductions remain secondary to the advisory process, which is always conducted independently and in the best interests of the client.

For many clients, the transaction itself is only one stage in a much longer process. Following completion, there may be integration challenges, operational priorities, reporting requirements, strategic reviews or further commercial opportunities to consider.

Drawing on experience from senior financial and commercial leadership roles within music companies, Stan can provide ongoing support where appropriate, helping clients navigate the practical realities that follow a transaction rather than simply stepping away once a deal is complete.

This may include post-acquisition integration, business planning, rights strategy, ongoing catalogue reviews, transaction preparation for future opportunities and broader commercial advisory support.

Any ongoing engagement remains tailored to the client’s specific requirements and is undertaken independently, with the same objective and confidential approach applied throughout the advisory process.