Harper James facilitates six figure sale of leading classical music and opera website

Operabase, one of the world’s most comprehensive online databases of opera performers, houses and companies has recently been taken over by Danish professional networking platform for classical artists, arts organisations and agents, Truelinked.

Founded in 1996 as a means of collating and sharing information on opera performances worldwide, Operabase’s catalogue is available in 27 languages and, at its peak, was collecting 25,000 new performances year-on-year.

Following a hugely successful 20 years which saw the company grow from being the hobby of the founder, Mike Gibb, to being the go-to platform for opera companies and fans across the globe, the decision to sell the company was made in order to ensure the longevity and expansion of the database continued.

The deal, which amounted to a six-figure sum, was facilitated by us and took place in June 2018.

Mike Gibb commented: “It has been an amazing journey with Operabase from part-time hobby to successful international resource with the Metropolitan Opera, New York and The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden among over 200 professional clients.

“When I was approached by Truelinked with regards to buying the company from me, it just seemed like the right time - Truelinked had the financial backing and manpower to support its continued development, and to free me from the day-to-day tasks involved.

“It was an absolute pleasure working with Harper James and the efforts of Partner, Adam Kudryl, were simply herculean! The sale was complicated and made against tight time scales but, with much work and long hours, Adam brought everything to a successful conclusion within the deadline.”

Our Corporate Partner Adam Kudryl commented: “It was a great to work closely with Mike and I’m delighted that the desired outcome of the sale was achieved and that we were able to reach a favourable agreement with the buyer that resulted in a great deal for Mike.

“I’d like to wish Mike best of luck moving forwards and hope that, under Truelinked, the successes of Operabase are continued for years to come.”