Abu Dhabi, UAE – Mubadala Investment Company (“Mubadala”) of Abu Dhabi today announced the sale of its consortium’s majority interest in EMI Music Publishing to Sony Corporation (“Sony”) at an enterprise value of $4.75 billion. This acquisition represents Sony’s commitment to its writers and artists as well as its commitment to the music business more broadly. The closing of the transaction is subject to certain closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.
Over the past six years, Mubadala Capital – the financial investment arm of Mubadala – and Sony have worked together as partners to create value alongside Sony/ATV, Sony’s music publishing arm. Sony/ATV has been administering the EMI Music Publishing catalog’s legacy of iconic writers and artists, and along with the consortium re-investing in existing writer relationships and growing the catalog by signing new writers on a 50/50 basis. These actions, coupled with the global rise of streaming and paid streaming services, have led to an appreciation in value of the EMI Music Publishing catalog as millions of new consumers have been provided access to innovative distribution channels.
EMI Music Publishing owns or administers over two million songs that include classics by Queen, Carole King and the Motown catalog along with contemporary songs from Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Drake, Sam Smith, Pink, Pharrell Williams, Calvin Harris, Fetty Wap, Hozier and Sia.
The original transaction and investor consortium that partnered with Sony and the Michael Jackson Estate to acquire EMI Music Publishing from a wholly-owned subsidiary of Citigroup Inc. was sourced and assembled by Mubadala Capital’s private equity business, which has controlled and managed EMI Music Publishing on behalf of Mubadala and other third party investors since 2012.
Hani Barhoush, Head of Mubadala Capital, said: “EMI Music Publishing has been a successful investment for Mubadala and I would like to personally extend my appreciation to the leadership at Sony and Sony/ATV, who have been instrumental in administering the EMI Music Publishing catalog as well as shaping the music landscape on a global basis. They have been tremendous partners to us.”
Adib Mattar, Head of Private Equity for Mubadala Capital and Chairman of EMI Music Publishing, said: “EMI Music Publishing represents one of the world’s largest and most diverse catalog of copyrights with iconic songs that span every decade over the last one hundred years. Writers and artists only stand to benefit under consolidated ownership and should feel proud to be part of the Sony family. The sale of our consortium’s interest in EMI represents a milestone for Mubadala and our private equity business.”
Kenichiro Yoshida, President and CEO, Sony Corporation said: “We are thrilled to bring EMI Music Publishing fully into the Sony family and maintain our number one position in the music publishing industry. I would also like to convey my gratitude to Mubadala, our equity partner in EMI Music Publishing, for sharing our long-term perspective on the potential success of music publishing and their support as we grew the business. The music business has resurged over the past couple of years, driven largely by the rise of paid subscription based streaming services. In the entertainment space, we are focusing on building a strong IP portfolio, and I believe this acquisition will be a particularly significant milestone for our long-term growth.”
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About Mubadala Investment Company
Mubadala Investment Company is a pioneering global investor, deploying capital with integrity and ingenuity to accelerate economic growth for the long-term benefit of Abu Dhabi. As Abu Dhabi’s leading strategic investment company, Mubadala is active in 13 sectors and more than 30 countries around the world, creating lasting value for our shareholder, the Government of Abu Dhabi.
Mubadala’s portfolio includes the development of global industrial champions in sectors such as aerospace, ICT, semiconductors, metals and mining and renewable energy, utilities, and the management of diverse financial holdings. We build on legacy expertise in oil and gas to invest across the hydrocarbon spectrum, and enhance the UAE’s growth potential through investments in healthcare, real estate and defense services. Our investment approach prioritizes partnership with best-in-class organizations and a commitment to the highest standards of governance.
About Mubadala Capital
Mubadala Capital was established in 2011 as the financial investment arm of Mubadala, operating six integrated businesses focused on various asset classes and geographies that include private equity, public equities, credit, venture, sovereign investment partnerships and Brazil. The group invests globally across the capital structure in both public and private securities, whether directly or through third-party managed funds.
In addition to managing its own balance sheet investments, Mubadala Capital manages third party capital on behalf of institutional investors in three of its businesses, including through two private equity funds and one early stage venture fund.
Mubadala Capital is based in the Abu Dhabi Global Market.
About Sony Corporation
Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $77 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018.
Sony Global Web Site: http://www.Sony.net/
About EMI Music Publishing
EMI Music Publishing is the second largest music publishing company by revenue. Through various arrangements, EMI Music Publishing either owns or has rights to publish approximately 2.1 million musical composition from every major genre and period. EMI Music Publishing exploits a comprehensive and diverse collection of copyrights for music and lyrics, sourced from a roster that includes a wide variety of iconic and popular songwriters, to generate revenues. EMI Music Publishing’s catalog is distinguished by its size, sustainability, stability, diversity and longevity. EMI Music Publishing’s catalog contains some of the greatest hits dating from the first half of the 20th century (‘‘Over the Rainbow’’ continues to be a top 10 revenue performer more than 75 years after its initial release) through today (including ‘‘Happy,’’ ‘‘Chandelier,’’ ‘‘Summer’’ and ‘‘Take Me to Church’’). EMI Music Publishing has rights to publish musical compositions from current songwriters including Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Drake, Sam Smith, Pink, Pharrell Williams, Calvin Harris, Fetty Wap, Hozier and Sia. EMI Music Publishing is a global company that obtains rights to musical compositions from songwriters and other rights holders around the world and exploits those rights in 32 countries.
Media Contacts
Brunswick for Mubadala:
Alex Blake-Milton
+97150.6947589
Tom Drummond
+97154.3056609
mubadalafinance@brunswickgroup.com
