Kirkland Represents Blackstone-Backed Recognition Music Group on Acquisition of Complete Catalog by Sony Music Publishing
Kirkland & Ellis advised Recognition Music Group, a portfolio company of Blackstone, on a definitive agreement whereby funds managed by Blackstone will sell Recognition Music Group’s complete music rights portfolio to Sony Music Publishing, subject to customary closing conditions. The deal will see Sony Music Publishing acquiring Recognition’s entire catalog of works, encompassing over 45,000 songs performed by many of the world’s most renowned artists, including 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,” Chic’s “Good Times,” Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun,” 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,” Steve Winwood’s “Higher Love” and Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” among many others.
Read the transaction press release
The Kirkland team included corporate lawyers Keri Schick Norton, Peter Martelli, Gregory Scott, David Higgins, Guirgis Nasief, Rachel DiSciullo, Ryane Liao, Kipp Garrett, Irfan Ahmed, Christopher Weale and Joe Timmins; technology & IP transactions lawyers Seth Traxler, Michael James and Frank Gallina; tax lawyers Vivek Ratnam, James Seddon, Mike Beinus and Jeremy Miller; and antitrust & competition lawyers Andrea Murino and Domenico Pietromonaco.
