Sony is in talks alongside another investor to buy Queen’s music catalog for about $1 billion, according to Bloomberg. The deal includes hits like ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and ‘Radio Gaga,’ as well as rights to merchandise and other business opportunities.
If it goes through, this sale will be the largest of its kind. But Bloomberg notes that the discussions are still ongoing, and it’s possible that no deal will be reached.
The surviving Queen members and Freddie Mercury’s estate currently hold equal shares of Queen Productions Ltd and its $52 million revenue in 2022.
Sony’s Business Deals With Other Musicians
Sony has been active in similar deals in recent years. The company bought Bruce Springsteen’s music catalog for around $500 million in 2021 and got Bob Dylan’s entire catalog in 2022.
Dylan spoke of the sale:
“Columbia Records and Rob Stringer have been nothing but good to me for many, many years and a whole lot of records. I’m glad that all my recordings can stay where they belong.”
Billboard later reported that Sony also acquired a 50% share in Michael Jackson’s music for around $600 million.