Sony Music Publishing has announced an agreement to acquire the complete music rights portfolio of Recognition Music Group from funds managed by Blackstone, subject to customary closing conditions. The deal is structured in partnership with the investment venture launched earlier this year between GIC and Sony Music Group, focused on acquiring and growing high-quality music catalog assets across genres and international markets. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The acquisition encompasses more than 45,000 songs performed by some of the world’s most recognized artists. The catalog includes Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Under the Bridge,” Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way,” Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It),” Bruno Mars’ “Locked Out of Heaven,” Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On A Prayer,” Rihanna’s “Umbrella,” Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This),” Shakira’s “Whenever, Wherever,” and Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” among many others. The transaction follows Sony Music Publishing’s acquisition of Hipgnosis Songs Group in 2025, reflecting its continued collaboration with Recognition and Blackstone.
The deal reinforces Sony Music Publishing’s position as the world’s number one global music publisher and reflects the company’s long-term conviction in the enduring commercial and cultural value of iconic song catalogs. GIC, established in 1981 to manage Singapore’s foreign reserves, brings a long-term, disciplined investment approach to the partnership. Sony Bank Inc. is also participating in the investment.
Sony Music Publishing was advised by Simpson Thatcher & Bartlett, Loeb & Loeb, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton, Ernst & Young, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Blackstone and Recognition were advised by Shot Tower, Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, and Deloitte.
KEY QUOTES:
“Our investment in this extraordinary catalog reflects our belief in the enduring power of great music — a belief that resonates deeply throughout Sony Music Group and is shared by our partners at GIC. These timeless songs continue to define culture and inspire generations, and it is a privilege to champion their legacy as guardians of their next chapter.”
Jon Platt, Chairman and CEO, Sony Music Publishing
“This transaction delivers a strong outcome for Blackstone and our investors and represents a further vote of confidence in music rights as an institutionally established asset class. Sony is an exceptional home for these iconic catalogues, and we look forward to continuing to invest across the music sector through Recognition.”
Qasim Abbas, Senior Managing Director and Head of Tactical Opportunities International, Blackstone
