Sony Music Publishing has strengthened its position in the global music rights market after reaching an agreement to acquire the catalogue of Recognition Music Group from a Blackstone-backed fund.

While financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, the deal gives Sony control over publishing rights linked to roughly 45,000 songs, including recordings associated with artists such as Lady Gaga and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

The acquisition forms part of Sony’s broader strategy to expand its music rights business as the value of song catalogues continues to climb in the streaming era. Sony Music Group chairman Rob Stringer described the purchase as a significant addition to the company’s publishing portfolio, highlighting the long-term value of globally recognised pop music.

The deal also ties into a larger partnership launched earlier this year between Sony Group and Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC. The joint venture was established specifically to target music rights acquisitions, with estimated investment plans ranging between A$3.1 billion and A$4.7 billion.

Music publishing rights have become increasingly attractive to investors as digital streaming platforms continue generating long-term revenue from older songs. Industry analysts say major catalogues are now viewed as stable assets capable of producing consistent income through streaming, licensing, film use, advertising, and social media platforms.

Sony Group president and chief executive Hiroki Totoki recently noted that established music rights have become highly sought-after investment opportunities due to their enduring earning potential.

Research from former Spotify chief economist Will Page showed the global value of music copyrights climbed to a record A$74 billion in 2024, compared with roughly A$39 billion a decade earlier in 2014.

The music industry has experienced a wave of consolidation in recent years as record companies, investment firms, and private equity groups compete aggressively for ownership of valuable catalogues. In April, a US investment fund led by billionaire Bill Ackman launched a takeover proposal for Universal Music Group valued at around A$100 billion.

However, growing competition for premium catalogues has also raised concerns about inflated prices within the sector. Sony is expected to rely on its partnership with GIC to help manage financial risk while continuing to pursue major acquisitions in the increasingly competitive music rights market.