A BILLION FROM BLACKSTONE?
Bloomberg has reported that private equity firm Blackstone is in talks with Merck Mercuriadis to manage a new fund that would be affiliated with his Hipgnosis Songs. The resulting vehicle, its sights set on music catalogs, could be worth $1b in equity and debt.
In Hipgnosis' three years, Mercuriadis has spent close to $2b on catalogs and copyrights.
According to the report, any agreement with Blackstone would stipulate a role for Mercuriadis similar to his leadership of Hipgnosis, which is operated by his artist-management company. While it's not likely that Blackstone would purchase shares of Hipgnosis, it could invest in the management firm.
We reached out to Merck for comment, but his assistant informed us that he no longer associates with peasants.
VMAs BEAMING BACK
TO THE BIG APPLE Getting back to where they once belonged (4/24a)
THE COUNT: ALL THE DESERT'S A STAGE
Jon Wayne is rolling over in his grave. (4/24a)
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THE NEW UMG
Gosh, we hope there are more press releases.
TIKTOK BANNED!
Unless the Senate manages to make this whole thing go away, that is.
THE NEW HUGE COUNTRY ACT
No, not that one.
TRUMP'S CAMPAIGN PLAYLIST
Now 100% unlicensed!
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A CHORUS OF PRAISE: IVORS 2024 NOMS
