DANIEL O’DONNELL HAS split from his former manager and business partner of more than 30 years.
Mick Clerkin, a record-label boss credited with launching O’Donnell’s music career, resigned as a director of the touring company he co-owned with the Donegal crooner last month.
He was immediately replaced as director and company secretary of Brockwell Limited by Daniel’s wife, Majella. She is already a director of the singer’s other companies, DOD Promotions Ltd and Hollgain Ltd.
The entertainment firm, which is predominantly involved in the operation of concert tours, recorded accumulated profits of more than €1.8 million in its most recent accounts and had a cash pile of €1.7 million on its balance sheet.
Clerkin’s 50% stake in the company was converted into ordinary redeemable shares last month, allowing them to be purchased by the firm or transferred to another individual.
The Cavan-born record boss spotted O’Donnell playing at the London Music Festival in 1985 and gave him his first record deal, signing him up to his own label, Ritz Records.
The two men established Brockwell Limited the following year and O’Donnell has since become a household name across Ireland and the UK, selling millions of records.
A spokesperson for the singer confirmed that he had parted company with Clerkin (76) as a result of a mutual decision that was reached last month.
Record boss Michael Clerkin and singer Daniel O’Donnell made a mutual decision last month to end their longstanding partnership. Their successful recording partnership resulted in the release of over 30 albums with millions of sales worldwide.
“Michael Clerkin continues to run his roster of recording artists on the Ritz label, whilst Daniel continues to tour and release albums.”
Documents received by the Companies Registration Office (CRO) last week show that Clerkin resigned as a director and secretary of Brockwell Ltd with effect from 15 December 2016.
Majella O’Donnell (56) was appointed to replace him in both of these roles, while his stake in the firm was converted into redeemable ordinary shares on the same day.
The spokesperson did not respond when asked if Clerkin’s shareholding had been purchased by the O’Donnells.
The singer’s longstanding business partner began as a dance-hall bouncer and was known as Mick ‘The Grip’ Clerkin. His label has boasted stars such as Christy Moore, Mary Black, Sharon Shannon, and the Furey Brothers.
He was presented with an industry award at the inaugural RTÉ Country Music Awards last year.
O’Donnell (55) is set to tour extensively in 2017, with dates announced for Ireland, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
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