Sony Music Acquires $1.2 Billion Stake in Michael Jackson's Catalog

Sony Music Group has acquired a stake in Michael Jackson's publishing and recorded masters catalog, valuing the rights at over $1.2 billion, with sources suggesting it could be as much as $1.5 billion. The deal, likely worth at least $600 million, includes non-Jackson-authored songs in his Mijac publishing catalog, as well as iconic songs by other artists. Jackson's music assets are estimated to earn about $75 million annually, and his popularity is growing, with increasing sales and streams. The deal adds to Sony's previous acquisitions, driving the total amount paid to the Jackson estate past the $2 billion mark.