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Sony Music Group is in exclusive, advanced talks to acquire Recognition Music Group from Blackstone in a multibillion-dollar transaction that could close within days, according to multiple reports on May 6, 2026.
The proposed deal â to be executed through a joint venture with Singapore sovereign fund GIC â has been reported in media as ranging from about $3.5 billion to $4 billion, with some sources citing higher deliberations.
Recognitionâs portfolio traces to the Hipgnosis acquisitions and holds more than 45,000 songs across 145+ catalogs, including publishing rights tied to Justin Bieber, Neil Young, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and other marquee artists.
Sony already administers portions of the catalog and has bought tranches of Hipgnosis/Recognition assets this year.
The transaction comes amid a wave of sizable music rights M&A in 2026 â including Primary Waveâs acquisition of Kobalt and BMGâs deal for Concord â and follows Blackstoneâs consolidation of Hipgnosis assets in 2024â25 and related asset-backed securitisations.
Parties have declined public comment and reports caution the talks could yet fall apart.
đ Based On
The Hollywood ReporterSony in Talks to Acquire Recognition Music Group In Multibillion Dollar Deal
The Straits TimesSony, GIC nears up to $5 billion deal for Bieber, Neil Young music catalogue: Sources
Music Business WorldwideSony in advanced talks to buy Blackstoneâs Recognition Music for up to $4B, reports Bloomberg
đ°ď¸ The Story So Far: An Evolving Timeline
Monday, May 11, 2026 18:37 UTC
Sony Buys Recognition Music Catalog in $4 Billion Deal
Thursday, May 7, 2026 01:06 UTC
Sony nears multibillion-dollar buy of Recognition Music Group








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