The Butterfly Group, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, and Las Vegas and founded by Christian music industry veteran George King, multi-platinum recording artist Bob Carlisle, and Michael Rinaldi, has purchased Newport Beach, California's Diamante Media Group, the Christian music industry's top independent distributor, for an undisclosed sum. The announcement was made yesterday at a special luncheon held during the Christian Booksellers Association International Convention.

As part of the acquisition, the Butterfly Group's Christian Records, Gospel One Records, Flying Leap Records, and Butterfly Kids will gain CBA distribution via Diamante. In addition to the Butterfly Group's family of labels, Diamante will retain distribution agreements with many of its existing clients, including Discovery House Music, Grapetree Records, Seventh Street Records, and Bettie Rocket Records, among others.

"It is an exciting and important step for the Butterfly Group to acquire such an experienced in-house distribution system for our record labels," said King, managing partner, Butterfly Group. "Diamante has represented artistic diversity and musical independence throughout the years, and they've been a beacon for so many worthy artists. We are proud to build on the heritage that Diamante has established."

"Diamante has always been more that just a distribution company," said Bill Conine, president, Diamante Media Group. "In order to reach this generation through music, the staff and I believe we must continue to be a purpose-driven platform for new and emerging artists and labels. I feel that with the combined strength of the Butterfly Group, Diamante will have the resources to grow exponentially." Conine will continue as Diamante's president, under a long-term agreement.

The Butterfly Group's Christian Records also unveiled its initial releases at the CBA luncheon. Following the previously announced signing of Russ Lee as Christian Records' label debut with a fall release, the Butterfly Group also announced today the signing of Carlisle himself to an exclusive recording agreement with Christian Records. Carlisle wrote and recorded "Butterfly Kisses," one of the most successful songs in the history of Christian music. A 28-year music industry veteran, Carlisle has sold more than 3 million records, penned over 100 songs, and authored six books. Christian Records will bow Carlisle's first-ever Christmas project later this year.

In addition, Christian Records announced the signing of Rick Muchow's West Coast Worship. Muchow is the music pastor at California's Saddleback Church, one of the fastest growing churches in America. In addition, he serves as a teacher and advisor on worship for the internationally recognized Purpose Driven Church Conferences.

In addition to artist signings, the Butterfly Group and Cloud Ten Pictures confirmed that Christian Records will produce three separate soundtracks in conjunction with the upcoming film Left Behind II: Tribulation Force. Adult contemporary, urban/gospel, and southern gospel soundtrack projects are slated. Produced by Cloud Ten Pictures, Left Behind II: Tribulation Force will release in DVD and VHS formats October 29.

"With the signings of Bob Carlisle, Russ Lee, and the West Coast Worship, and Left Behind II projects, the Butterfly Group is ready to make its presence known in Christian music in a big way," said King. "In addition to being home to these extraordinary proven artists and projects, we are also humbled to take on the serious responsibility of launching the ministries of new artists who we believe have important messages to share."

Founded as Diamante Music Group in 1993 by Bill Conine, today Diamante Media Group is a full-service distribution, sales, and marketing company. One of the music industry's only independent, Christian-owned distribution systems, Diamante maintains exclusive direct selling relationships with more than 2000 religious retailers nationwide, and also with retailers in Canada, via an exclusive agreement with Christian Marketing Canada. In addition, the Navarre Corp. provides general market distribution for Diamante's family of labels in both the United States and Canada.