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Proper Signed Distribution Deal with Ace Records

The independent music distributor will now manage sales and logistics for the label after 50 years of in-house operations.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in R&B

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a stacked trio of vinyl records, evoking professional music distribution and logistical scale.
Ace Records has signed a multi-year distribution agreement with Proper, transferring its sales, invoicing, and fulfillment operations to the UK distributor. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Ace Records has entered a new distribution agreement with Proper, the UK's largest independent physical music distributor. This deal shifts responsibility for sales, invoicing, and fulfillment to Proper after Ace Records handled these functions internally for five decades.

Why it matters

By outsourcing its logistical operations, the long-standing label aims to reach a broader fan base and expand the distribution of its extensive catalog. This transition allows the label to refocus its efforts as it prepares for future expansion, including a label relaunch in 2027.

Ace Records has released 5,772 albums throughout its history, accumulating over 12 million units in total sales. The label recently marked its 50th anniversary in 2025.

The players

Proper

Proper is the largest independent physical music distributor in the UK that provides logistics and sales support to record labels.

Ace Records

Ace Records is an independent record label founded in 1975 that specializes in catalog reissues and music archival releases.

Chiswick Records

Chiswick Records is an imprint associated with Ace Records that is scheduled to relaunch as a standalone label in 2027.

The details

Under the terms of the agreement finalized in September 2026, Proper will oversee all sales, fulfillment, invoicing, and cash collection for Ace Records. These releases will be made available to record shops across the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Timeline

  1. Ace Records was founded in 1975.

  2. Current management took over Ace Records in 2021.

  3. Ace Records celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025.

  4. The distribution deal with Proper was established in September 2026.

  5. Chiswick Records will relaunch as a standalone label in 2027.

Industry Dynamics

This partnership follows the broader trend of independent labels outsourcing complex supply chain logistics to specialized third-party firms. It marks a strategic pivot for Ace Records, aligning with the industry shift of consolidating physical distribution to optimize reach.

Fans of Ace Records can expect increased availability of the label's extensive catalog in record shops across the United Kingdom and Ireland. The transition aims to streamline the supply chain, potentially making it easier for collectors to find physical releases.

The takeaway

Outsourcing backend operations is a common strategy for labels seeking to scale their reach without expanding internal overhead. This move suggests that Ace Records is focusing on content development and brand growth as it enters its second half-century.

What happens next

Chiswick Records is scheduled to relaunch as a standalone label in 2027.

Further reading

For more on the current state of independent labels and music distribution, visit the R&B section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Music Week.

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