Opera house database acquired in six-figure deal with Truelinked

Operabase, an online database of opera performers, houses and companies, has recently been taken over by Truelinked.

Founded in 1996 as a means of collating and sharing information on opera performances worldwide, Operabase’s catalogue is available in 27 languages and, at its peak, was collecting 25,000 new performances year-on-year.

Truelinked is a Danish professional networking platform for classical artists, arts organisations and agents.

Operabase has grown from being the hobby of the founder, Mike Gibb, to being the go-to platform for opera companies and fans across the world, the decision to sell the company was made in order to ensure the longevity and expansion of the database continued.

The deal, which amounted to a six-figure sum, was facilitated by law firm Harper James Solicitors and took place in June 2018.

Mike Gibb said: “It has been an amazing journey with Operabase from part-time hobby to successful international resource with the Metropolitan Opera, New York and The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden among over 200 professional clients.

“When I was approached by Truelinked with regards to buying the company from me, it just seemed like the right time - Truelinked had the financial backing and manpower to support its continued development, and to free me from the day-to-day tasks involved.

“The sale was complicated and made against tight time scales but, with much work and long hours, Adam brought everything to a successful conclusion within the deadline.”