Word Entertainment has announced the addition of Spirit-Led Records, which includes Fervent Records, to its label groups effective June 1.

Fervent Records, home to BarlowGirl, Big Daddy Weave and By The Tree, is an independent label with 2005 sales to exceed $7 million. The label will continue to operate with its current staff under the direction of Susan Riley, founder and president.

“We are excited to be a part of the Word Label Group and to partner with Word Distribution,” Riley said. “Being a family-owned label we are blessed to find a partner in Word that allows us to maintain our independent spirit while expanding our opportunities and resources to help grow the ministries of our artists.”

Word Distribution will further distribute Fervent and Spirit-Led Records worldwide into the Christian marketplace and WEA into mainstream retail outlets.

In addition to the labels, Word Publishing has acquired the two publishing arms owned by Riley-Open Worship Publishing and Fresh Springs Publishing.