Sony Music Acquires Stake in Michael Jackson’s Catalog Valued at Over $1.2 Billion

Sony Music Acquires Stake in Michael Jackson’s Catalog Valued at Over $1.2 Billion

Sony Music has secured a monumental deal to acquire a significant portion of Michael Jackson’s illustrious catalog, marking one of the most substantial transactions in music history.

As reported by Billboard, the acquisition entails Sony Music purchasing half of the King of Pop’s publishing and recorded masters, estimated to be worth between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion. This groundbreaking deal, valued at approximately $600 to $750 million, sets a new standard for the valuation of an artist’s catalog.

Included in the acquisition are the iconic works housed within Jackson’s Mijac publishing catalog, featuring timeless classics from esteemed artists such as Sly & the Family Stone, Jerry Lee Lewis, Jackie Wilson, Curtis Mayfield, Ray Charles, Percy Sledge, and Dion, among others. Notably, royalties from theatrical productions like Broadway’s MJ The Musical are excluded from the deal.

Sony Music’s historic agreement surpasses the $1.2 billion valuation sought by Queen for their recorded music, publishing rights, and royalties from the acclaimed 2018 film Bohemian Rhapsody. While official statements from Sony Music and Jackson’s estate are pending, the magnitude of this deal underscores its significance within the industry.

This announcement precedes the highly anticipated biopic “Michael,” helmed by director Antoine Fuqua and produced by Michael Jackson estate co-executors John Branca and John McClainis. Featuring Jaafar Jackson, the late artist’s nephew, the film is slated for release on April 18, 2025, promising to offer a compelling portrayal of Jackson’s enduring legacy and musical contributions.

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