Warner Music Group To Acquire Word Entertainment

Warner Music Group has agreed to acquire Gaylord Entertainment's Word Entertainment division, home to some of contemporary Christian music's top performers and songwriters, including artists Amy Grant, Rachael Lampa, Nicole C Mullen, Sandi Patty, Point Of Grace, Marc Schultz, Sixpence None The Richer and Jaci Velasquez. The company is also the exclusive distributor of leading Christian labels Integrity Music and Big Idea among others. The transaction is subject to regulatory consent, and is expected to be completed no later than in the first quarter of 2002.

Under the agreement, Malcolm L Mimms will continue as president and COO of Word Entertainment. Word will continue to be based in Nashville.