BANDIER TAKES CARE
OF BUSINESS

The atmosphere at Sony/ATV was understandably tense following last Thursday’s revelation the higher-ups at Sony Corp. had activated the buy/sell process, bringing uncertainty to the futures of the pubco and its employees. Leave it to Sony/ATV ruler and publishing legend Marty Bandier to restore order and stability. He did it with a memo to staff, delivered in a firm, confident voice resonant with gravitas—a heavyweight throwing a controlled but forceful punch. Here’s the complete text of Bandier’s address to the troops.

Dear all,

By now all of you have probably seen the note from Michael Lynton, as well as reports in the press, regarding a potential sale of Sony/ATV. I know this must have come as a surprise to most of you. As the note explained, Sony Corporation of America has recently initiated a process that may result in a change in the ownership of Sony/ATV. There are several potential outcomes, including Sony or the Estate of Michael Jackson acquiring the other’s 50% stake in Sony/ATV. We are at the beginning of a process that will play out over the next several months. One thing I can tell you is that I will do my best to keep all of you informed of significant developments as they occur.

While the future ownership structure of Sony/ATV might be uncertain, one thing has always been clear; Sony/ATV is and will remain the world’s leading music publisher with the largest and most diverse catalog of songs, the best roster of artists and songwriters and the most talented executives. Doing what is best for our songwriters has always been our goal and I’m sure that will continue to be our primary focus.

I am proud, as you should be, of the work we've accomplished, including a record year last year both creatively and financially and a very promising 2015 as we prepare to move to terrific new offices in both New York and L.A. I remain confident that for all of us it will be business as usual during this process and that our best years are still ahead of us.

Regards,

Martin Bandier
Chairman & CEO
Sony/ATV Music Publishing