MUMBAI: Universal Music Publishing Group – Australia has signed an exclusive, long-term, world-wide joint venture with Brisbane based independent music publisher Dew Process Publishing.

Under the deal, Universal Music Publishing Group will handle all catalogue administration. Both Dew Process and UMPG will work in tandem on songwriter development and synchronization opportunities.

"Paul Piticco and his team have proven without doubt that they are a great A&R company and we look forward to working with Dew Process to develop their worldwide music publishing interests," commented UMPG – Australia Managing Director Bob Aird.

"For a fresh company like our publishing endeavor to have the support of Bob, Heath, and the whole Universal Music Publishing Group team is amazing. We believe Dew Process Publishing will emulate the A&R success of Dew Process Recordings and we feel lucky to be expanding our business," said Dew Process CEO Paul Piticco.

As a label, Dew Process boasts a roster that includes Bernard Fanning, Sarah Blasko, Whitley, The Panics, The Grates, and The Living End as well as an  international roster that includes Shout Out Louds, TokyoPolice Club and Tilly & The Wall.

"Paul, Fergus, and the team at Dew Process have built an impressive music company in a short space of time. We look forward to building and developing an impressive roster of DP/UMPG writers over the coming years," said UMPG Australia head of A&R/Creative, Heath Johns.

"It is with great delight that we are inking a deal with UMPG. The team here in Australia brings a wealth of creative experience and I look forward to collaborating with them to secure the best opportunities for our writers in the coming years," said Dew Process Publishing A&R/Licensing manager Fergus Jenkins.

The first signings to the new deal are Whitley who released his debut album The Submarine earlier this year and Ernest Ellis whose debut single "Bad Blood" is currently making waves amongst music industry circles.