Jackson Estate, Sony Sign Major Recording Deal

Sony has secured a seven-year, 10-album recording deal with the Michael Jackson estate for $250 million—breaking a music-industry record.

The agreement is expected to include a combination of previously unreleased songs and re-packaging of older songs, with the first album hitting shelves in November. The deal, which covers the “This Is It” soundtrack, was brokered by John Branca and John McClain, special administrators of the Michael Jackson estate. The Wall Street Journal reports the deal to be worth $250 million.

“Michael has always been a treasured member of the Sony Music family,” says Rob Stringer, chairman of the Columbia Epic Label Group. “We’re dedicated to protecting this icon’s legacy and we’re thrilled that we can continue to bring his music to the world for the foreseeable future.”

Bravado represents the Michael Jackson estate in licensing. In January, the agent signed Playmates Toys to launch a line of Jackson figures and dolls later this year.

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