Reservoir Media has acquired independent label Nacional Records and the publishing assets of its sister company, Canciones Nacionales, Billboard can exclusively announce Thursday (July 16). The new deal also includes a joint venture to sign and develop recording artists and songwriters.

“Over the last two decades, Nacional has cemented itself as one of the most influential independent music companies in the Latin market, with an incredible catalog and exceptional talent,” Reservoir president and COO Rell Lafargue said in a statement. “We’ve been deliberate about expanding Reservoir’s presence in Latin music, and this partnership is a transformational step in that strategy.”

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Lafargue added, “It strengthens both our recorded music and publishing businesses while positioning us to invest in the next generation of Latin artists and songwriters. We’re proud to welcome Nacional to Reservoir and continue building on its remarkable legacy.”

Tomas Cookman, who founded Nacional in Los Angeles in 2005, stated: “I have long been a fan of what Golnar [Khosrowshahi] and Rell have built at Reservoir. We initially met a few years ago and developed a mutual respect for each other’s work — until it became obvious that we should now build together. I feel we share the same work ethic and, equally as important, a love of music and the industry that supports it. I look forward to what comes next for our current and future artists and writers. We look forward to working together to expand the Reservoir footprint in Latin music and culture.”