Sony Music in talks to acquire Queen’s hits and merchandising rights in a £1 billion deal
Icon: Queen’s legendary frontman Freddie Mercury (photo)
Sony Music is in talks to acquire Queen’s hits for almost £1 billion, which would mean the company owns Bohemian Rhapsody, the merchandising and the exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute and perform the music.
It is understood that Sony, along with a fellow investor, values the numbers at around £800 million.
Queen, led by Freddie Mercury, scored hits with songs such as Don’t Stop Me Now and We Will Rock You.
If the attack continues, it will increase the buying frenzy for music rights.
Sir Rod Steward and Michael Jackson’s estate have reportedly sold some or all of their music this year, worth hundreds of millions of pounds.
Bruce Springsteen is said to have sold his songs to Sony for more than £390 million, and Neil Young and David Bowie have signed deals with labels