Kontor Records is a record label based in Hamburg, Germany. The label's artist roster includes ATB, Tiësto, Armin van Buuren and Scooter. Jens Thele is the head manager of Kontor and is also the manager of Scooter.[1]
Edel SE & Co. KGaA is the largest shareholder of the company and distributes its releases in German-speaking Europe. Outside Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Kontor Records have arranged multiple distribution deals with third-party labels.
History
Founded in 1996, the label originated as a club night that Jens Thele organised in Hamburg's central business district. Kontor was rapidly established as a successful musical project for local DJs and producers, and this was followed by interest from international artists. Thele has said, "We place great importance on long-term artist relationships and development, always looking to create album projects". In 2000 51% of the company was acquired by the German media company Edel AG, with Thele and other shareholders retaining operative roles in the company.[2] As of 2004, the company's office overlooks the Hamburg dockland area.