Rostrum Pacific Fat Beats

Photo Credit: Fat Beats

Rostrum Pacific acquires renowned retail brand and distributor, Fat Beats.

Rostrum Pacific has announced the acquisition of legendary retail brand and distributor, Fat Beats, hot on the heels of the 20th anniversary of Rostrum Records and the launch of Rostrum Pacific as a multifaceted entertainment company.

Fat Beats will continue as its own entity under the guidance of Rostrum Pacific’s team, including Kevin Engler as General Manager of Fat Beats, and Bobby Israeli as Rostrum Pacific’s Head of E-Commerce. The acquisition enables Fat Beats to maximize its strategic growth with access to resources, tools, and Rostrum Pacific’s sister companies.

For Rostrum artists, the partnership provides the direct backing of Fat Beats’ wholesale distribution, e-commerce support, and direct-to-consumer fulfillment with an open line to brick-and-mortar stores.

“Fat Beats is a legendary brand that I’ve been a fan of for decades. From Rostrum Records to our most recent expansion of Rostrum Pacific, we’ve diligently outlined the next 20 years of our company. One of our goals has been to get vertically involved with physical distribution, and Fat Beats is a key part of that strategy,” says Benjy Grinberg, Rostrum Pacific founder and CEO.

“Together we can offer a level of professionalism, strategy, and forward thinking that most physical companies lack. The ability to acquire Fat Beats and help it grow to new heights is incredibly exciting for us.”

“As a pillar of the independent hip-hop community since 1994, it was important to me to ensure what we’ve built over the last 30 years is well cared for and respected,” added Joe Abajian, founder of Fat Beats. “We have found the perfect custodians in Benjy and the Rostrum Pacific team, and we’re confident that Fat Beats now has the expertise and resources to continue growing well into the future.”

Key to the next phase of the company is the naming of two former Universal Music Group executives: Kevin Engler as GM of Fat Beats, and Bobby Israeli as Head of E-Commerce for Rostrum Pacific. Engler brings his 30 years of music industry experience, while Israeli has led the e-commerce teams and strategy for UMG’s East Coast labels, such as Def Jam, Island Records, and Verve Music Group. Both executives will report directly to Rostrum Pacific COO, Jonathan Partch.