Mercuriadis, Merck

Music Catalog Giant Hipgnosis Is Sold, and Merck Mercuriadis Exits

The company, whose pricey acquisitions kicked off a rush on catalog sales, sold its assets to Blackstone for $1.6 billion, and its outspoken leader will step down.

By Ben Sisario

Concord Music Group Copyrights and Copyright Violations Hipgnosis Songs Fund Mercuriadis, Merck Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures Music

Hipgnosis Agrees to $1.4 Billion Deal to Sell to Concord

Hipgnosis, which owns the rights to songs by Justin Bieber and Neil Young, helped kick-start a rush on catalog sales. But its future has been in doubt.

By Ben Sisario

Blackstone Group, The Hipgnosis Songs Fund Mercuriadis, Merck Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures Music Royalties

Hipgnosis Made Mega Deals for Song Catalogs. Its Future Is Unclear.

The company’s shareholders on Thursday rejected a $440 million divestment plan and voted against maintaining its current structure.

By Ben Sisario