Sony Music Publishing expands catalog with Blackstone-backed Recognition deal covering 45,000 songs

Sony Music Publishing has agreed to acquire Recognition Music Group's complete catalog from Blackstone, a portfolio of more than 45,000 songs, in a deal Bloomberg estimates at roughly $3.5–$4 billion. The acquisition, made by SMP with Sony Music Group and Singapore's GIC (plus Sony Bank), will bring iconic tracks like Don't Stop Believin', Umbrella, Bad Romance and Hallelujah under SMP's governance. The deal, subject to closing conditions, marks SMP's third major purchase of Hipgnosis assets and the largest to date, following Blackstone's consolidation of Hipgnosis and earlier purchases this year. Executives Rob Stringer and Jon Platt emphasized the long-term value of these catalogues.