Justin Timberlake in the song catalog Sale to Hipgnosis – The Hollywood Reporter

Hipgnosis Song Management has acquired the song catalog by Justin Timberlake.

Economic details of the deal were not released. Hipgnosis, Notting Hill, London-based company founded in 2018 by former music manager Merck Mercuriadis, called Timberlake “the iconic American singer, songwriter, record producer and actor who is one of the most influential artists of the last 20 years and named by Billboard as the best performing male solo artist in Top 40 / Contemporary Hit Radio history. “

Hipgnosis said Friday that they have purchased 100 percent “of all of Justin Timberlake’s copyright, ownership and financial interests for the author and publisher’s share of public performance revenue and the catalog of musical compositions written by Justin Timberlake.” Also included in the sale are “the worldwide administration rights to the compositions, subject to the remaining term of Universal Music’s administrative rights, which expire in 2025.”

“I’m excited to work with Merck and Hipgnosis – he appreciates artists and their creative work and has always been a strong supporter of songwriters and storytelling,” Timberlake said. “I look forward to getting into this next chapter.”

Hipgnosis has purchased music release catalogs or share in them, which has been an area with many deals in the music business. The company’s activity has included transactions for 50 percent of the shares in Neil Young’s catalog, as well as hits made by, among others, Rihanna and Shakira.

Hipgnosis CEO Mercuriadis said: “Justin Timberlake is not only one of the most influential artists of the last 20 years, but he is also one of the greatest songwriters of all time. His hit songs include ‘Cry Me A River’, ‘ Rock Your Body ‘,’ SexyBack ‘,’ My Love ‘,’ What Goes Around ‘… Comes Around,’ Suit & Tie ‘,’ Mirrors’ and ‘Can’t Stop the Feeling’ are among the most iconic of the period Putting this agreement together has been a complete love affair. “

Timberlake’s worldwide music sales are currently at over 150 million, including 88 million as a solo artist and 70 million with NSYNC, Hipgnosis said. The acquisition was made on behalf of Hipgnosis Songs Capital, a partnership between Hipgnosis Song Management and funds managed by the private equity firm Blackstone.

Timberlake is represented by managers Rick Yorn, Josh Dembling at LBI Entertainment and Johnny Wright at Wright Entertainment Group, as well as attorneys David Lande and Mitch Tenzer at Ziffren Brittenham LLP.