The Japanese giant Sony plans to buy half of Michael Jackson’s music catalog for a potentially record value of between 800 and 900 million dollars, according to the American magazine. variety.
If the heirs who control the late King of Pop’s vast estate agree to the sale, it could include half of the interests they own, including rights to the biopic in the works. Miguel and in the musical MJ: The Musical.
the biggest sale
The deal, which could include another buyer besides Sony, said variety On Tuesday, it could become the biggest sale ever in the increasingly coveted business of music catalogues.
With the streaming revolution, the rights to songs by artists living or dead but considered timeless have become valuable assets, because whoever owns them makes money with every listen. This mana is added to the earnings in case of using the music on the radio, in movies or in advertising.
And with the rise of apps like TikTok, where users can choose their music to accompany their short videos, the monetization potential of a catalog has multiplied even more.
A legendary solo career
In the last two years, Sony has paid more than $500 million to acquire Bruce Springsteen’s catalogue, and Universal Music has acquired the rights to the complete works of David Bowie for $400 million.
At the end of January, Canadian singer Justin Bieber sold the rights to his music catalog to Hipgnosis for $200 million.
In this context, the sum advanced for the Michael Jackson catalog is particularly impressive, especially since it does not refer to all rights, contrary to the usual transactions in the sector.
The former Jackson 5 member, who died at age 50 in 2018 after a legendary solo career, left behind one of the world’s most lucrative music catalogues. his work of worship suspense it is one of the best-selling albums in the world.
Source: BFM TV
