Jackson Buys Eminem’s Rights…
One thing Michael understood: he could become your boss without your permission, if he allowed money to do the talking. The Guardian reports that Jackson acquired ATV, a company which housed The Beatles’ entire catalog, for $47.5 million.
But then, Michael turned around and sold 25 percent of ATV to Sony.
“Yesterday’s deal means Sony/ATV own the rights to over 125,000 songs, of which Eminem is one of the most high-profile and profitable,” the source reported in 2007 after the transaction occurred.
The partnership also purchased Famous Music’s catalog as well for $370 million. Martin N. Bandier, Sony/ATV CEO at the time, had this to say:
“The Famous Music catalogue is a world-class asset filled with evergreen songs that people know and love. The depth and breadth of the catalogue is what truly makes it great.”
