The first half of this year saw $2.77 trillion worth of deals inked worldwide, up 48% from the year-ago period and the best first half for mergers and acquisitions since the dot com bubble burst in 2002, the New York Times recently reported, citing data from the London Stock Exchange Group.
Those events have created financial windfalls for institutional investors, particularly those with oil and gas and AI holdings in their portfolios, and consolidation in many industries.
As it prepares to roll out a fully licensed model, Suno has secured a global partnership agreement with BMG.
The Beatles ‘ rights-holding company Apple Corps has come together with Universal Music Group to ink a wide-ranging licensing and merch deal for all things related to the fab four. It will include physical and digital merchandise, licensing and e-commerce.
“The Beatles embody music’s power to change the world, and that influence makes them one of the most iconic and lasting cultural brands of all time,” said Lucian Grainge, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group.
“We’re grateful for Apple Corps’ trust as we deepen our global partnership, while protecting and growing the Beatles’ legacy through authentic fan experiences worthy of their artistry.
As a lifelong Beatles fan, building on the relationships forged over the past 14 years is one of the great show of my career.” The worldwide exclusive pact comes ahead of the highly-anticipated quartet of Sam Mendes biopics about the group, in which Paul Mescal will play Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson portrays John Lennon, Joseph Quinn stars as George Harrison and Barry Keoghan is Ringo Starr.
Titled “The Beatles – A Four Film Cinematic Event,” the four-movie project is currently in production and set to be released in 2028. Apple Corps – unrelated to the Steve Jobs-founded tech company – was formed in 1968 to oversee the Beatles’ creative and business interests. The entity has embarked on a vigorous program of experiences an
Blog / business In twelve months the AI licensing question flipped from courtroom standoff to signed deals at four of the five biggest rights-holders. AI music licensing deals went from zero to industry standard in under a year.