Sony/ATV Music Publishing has acquired international administration rights to the Famous Music catalog from Universal Music Group, wrapping up full international control of the copyrights it acquired from Viacom last year.
Shortly after Marty Bandier became chairman/CEO of Sony/ATV last April, the publisher was the successful bidder for Viacom’s Famous, one of the top indie publishers in the world. But BMG Music Publishing, acquired by Universal, held administration rights to the Famous catalog outside the United States and certain Asian territories.
With this latest acquisition, Sony/ATV will be able to actively exploit internationally the work of Famous writers including Linda Perry, Eminem, Akon, Shakira and Daniel Powter. It will also have full control over past film music from Paramount’s film studios.
Top earners from the catalog have included “Mission Impossible Theme,” “Moon
River” and Linda Perry’s “Get the Party Started” (Pink) and “Beautiful”
(Christina Aguilera), according to confidential sale documents obtained by
Billboard before the Famous sale.
Sony/ATV administrative control became effective on Jan. 1.
