Sony Music Publishing Reportedly Acquiring Hipgnosis Songs Group

Sony Music Publishing Acquires Hipgnosis Songs Group in Major Catalog Deal

In a landmark move that could reshape the music publishing landscape, Sony Music Publishing (SMP) has reportedly acquired Hipgnosis Songs Group (HSG), marking the latest chapter in the complex saga of one of the music industry’s most talked-about catalogs. According to emails obtained by Billboard and corroborated by multiple insider sources, SMP has “entered into an agreement with Recognition Music Group (RMG) to acquire its subsidiary Hipgnosis Songs Group, effective immediately.”

What’s in the Catalog?

Hipgnosis Songs Group’s library includes approximately 4,400 copyrights — a significant portion of which originated from Big Deal Music, a catalog acquired by Hipgnosis back in 2020. These copyrights span a wide range of hits from legacy and contemporary artists alike, including:

One Direction
Panic! At the Disco
Shawn Mendes
Sabrina Carpenter (“Espresso,” “Feather,” “Taste”)
Teddy Swims (“Lose Control”)
Alex Warren (“Ordinary”)

The acquisition positions Sony as the sole owner and administrator of these works. In a message to HSG clients and writers, Sony emphasized its commitment to continuing high-quality service while integrating HSG into its global systems. “We are honored to represent you and your songs,” the email read, noting that the full-service transition will occur over the coming months.

Strategic Implications

This acquisition is significant for several reasons:

A Curated Contemporary Roster: HSG’s focus on modern-day pop and viral hits adds a youthful edge to Sony’s already vast catalog.
Administrative Strength: Hipgnosis Songs Group previously handled serious backend publishing and royalty management tasks — roles that Sony will now absorb.
Separation from Blackstone Assets: While HSG is now under Sony’s control, the bulk of the Hipgnosis-branded music rights remain with Blackstone. However, this acquisition signals a clear effort to streamline assets under strategic partnerships.

The Backstory: From Hipgnosis to Recognition

Just three months ago, Blackstone rebranded its Hipgnosis holdings under the Recognition Music Group banner, which now oversees the Hipgnosis Songs Fund and Hipgnosis Song Management. At that time, Hipgnosis Songs Group was reportedly still under Blackstone’s umbrella and subject to a strategic review. This sale to Sony is now understood to be the culmination of that review.

A Win for Sony, a Turning Point for Recognition

Sony’s move is a clear signal of continued confidence in the long-term value of music catalogs, particularly those with modern commercial appeal. For Recognition Music Group, this deal completes a rebranding cycle and opens the door to more focused partnerships and streamlined asset management in a rapidly evolving music economy.

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Sony Music Publishing just added a powerful new volume to its songbook.