Sony Music Acquires Half of Michael Jackson’s Catalogue

Sony Music Group has completed a significant acquisition by purchasing a 50% stake in Michael Jackson’s extensive music publishing and recorded masters catalogue. Industry insiders report that the value of these assets exceeds $1.2 billion, with some valuations reaching as high as $1.5 billion. This monumental deal strengthens Sony’s influence in the music rights industry.

Finalized in the latter part of last year, this transaction is among the highest valuations for an artist’s catalogue to date. Michael Jackson’s collection is renowned in the music world, featuring a plethora of legendary tracks and compositions. The purchase notably includes rights to songs not written by Jackson himself within his Mijac publishing collection, featuring hits from acclaimed artists like Sly & the Family Stone, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Ray Charles, among others.

Details of the agreement have not been made public, but it is known to encompass both the publishing rights and the recorded masters, excluding royalties from stage productions that utilize Jackson’s music, such as the Broadway musical.

The sustained interest in Jackson’s work, coupled with the rise in streaming services, has seen a marked increase in the value and revenue generated from his catalogue. Anticipation around the upcoming “Michael” biopic is expected to further boost sales and attract new fans, enhancing profits for his estate and those holding rights to his music.

John Branca, a lawyer, and John McClain, an A&R executive, who have steered Jackson’s estate, are set to continue their roles as co-executors, contributing to the future prosperity and management of Jackson’s music rights.

This acquisition is a testament to Sony’s strategic expansion within the music rights domain, complementing its already robust portfolio that includes significant stakes in Sony/ATV and EMI Music Publishing.