MUMBAI: Sony/ATV Music Publishing and Viacom Inc. have signed an agreement for Sony/ATV to acquire Famous Music LLC from Viacom. Sony/ATV Music Publishing is co-owned by Sony and trusts formed by Michael Jackson.
“The Famous Music catalogue is a world-class asset filled with evergreen songs that people know and love. The depth and breadth of the catalogue is what truly makes it great, and I strongly believe that the addition of the Famous catalogue and its songwriters to Sony/ATV is another step in our long-range growth plans. In addition, we are pleased to be entering the production music business through Famous’ Extreme division. Extreme’s valuable creative team and unique business model will be a terrific complement to our core music publishing business,” said Sony/ATV Music Publishing chairman and CEO Martin N. Bandier.
“Famous Music is one of the iconic names in music publishing. We are very pleased that Sony/ATV Music Publishing has recognized its great value and potential. We have benefited greatly from the talent and experience of the very able management team at Famous Music, particularly its long time CEO, Irwin Robinson, as well as Ira Jaffe, president and COO; and Margaret Johnson, executive vice president finance and administration. We know that Famous and its fine executives have many great days ahead and want to thank them for their tremendous accomplishments,” said Viacom president and CEO Philippe Dauman.
“Famous Music is one of the world’s largest independent music publishers, and this acquisition, following on the heels of the Leiber Stoller acquisition, further enhances Sony/ATV’s position in the global music publishing industry,” said Sony Corporation of America CFO Rob Wiesenthal.
“This is a milestone event for Sony/ATV Music Publishing. The diverse collection of songs in this catalogue range from timeless classics to contemporary hits, and I am pleased to add the acquisition of Famous Music to Sony/ATV,” added Michael Jackson.
Founded in 1928, the Famous Music catalogue includes 125,000 songs and sound cues, including such hits and classics as Footloose, Moon River, Take My Breath Away, It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing), Satin Doll, Silver Bells, and That’s Amore.
Famous Music’s roster of songwriters includes Shakira, Akon, Linda Perry, 7Aurelius, Fred Jerkins III, Dave Tozer, Mike Mangini, Charlie Midnight, Darrell Scott, Modest Mouse, Jet and Ozomatli.
Through its Extreme division, Famous Music is also is a major supplier of high quality recordings and musical compositions for use in television and radio advertisements, film and television productions, trailers, and major network and cable broadcast promotional announcements throughout the world.
