XL publishing arm scores worldwide Universal deal.

XL is planning to step up the pace at its fledgling publishing arm Hero Music after striking a worldwide administration deal with Universal Music Publishing.

Although Hero Music has been operational in an embryonic form under the XL group of companies for almost a year, XL co-owner Richard Russell says the new partnership will allow the company to grow to the next level.

"We are focused on credible writers with a long-term outlook on things. It will reflect XL by not really being involved in pop music, being more about finding interesting things. It's about building grassroots signings. I don't think we will be competing with the majors on signings," he says.

The deal follows Universal's recent acquisition of Momentum Music, the publishing company part-owned by XL co-owner Martin Mills. However, Russell says the timing is more of a coincidence. "We can offer really hands on A&R experience, focus and vision on the creative side, but really needed someone like Universal there to handle all the other ...