Berlin-based company 88tc88 and Shanghai Synergy Entertainment & Culture Group (SSCEG) have signed a deal that gives 88tc88 exploitation rights for musical works from third parties for commercial use in Greater China.

SSCEG will handle administrative and royalty-collection duties on behalf of 88tc88. The first catalog SSCEG will shop is that of Chicago-based blues label Alligator Records.

“That is just the beginning,” says an 88tc88 spokesperson. “We have had an outpouring of inquiries about using our arrangement to enter the market and we have scaled up our staff to handle the inbound queries.”

In April, 88tc88 launched a service to help artists and labels break into China by translating lyrics, song and album titles and other material into Chinese.

"88tc88's mission is to find every possible way to ensure artists make money and obtain exposure in China," said 88tc88Chairman Thomas Reemer in a statement.