Processing timeline
10
days
Filed
2 June 2026
Decision Due
15 July 2026
Est decision date: 1 July 2026. Based on 12 decided Technology, Media & Telecoms notifications.
Acquirer(s)
SMG-Three LLC DDC - 10277876, Sony Music Publishing (US) LLC DDC - 2558200, Orion BidCo LLC DDC - 10608976
Target(s) or Vendor(s)
Recognition Music Group (Delaware) L.P. DDC - 6193972
Other parties
Candle Media LLC DDC - 6119562, SESAC Holdings, Inc NY DOS ID - 1652738, Blackstone Inc DDC - 4315990, National Exhibition Centre Limited CRN - 00979395
Sony Music, comprising SMG-Three LLC and Sony Music Publishing, proposes to acquire 100% of the shares of Recognition Music Group (Delaware) L.P. from funds advised by Blackstone, Inc. Both Sony Music and Recognition Music Group are active in the music publishing industry, acquiring and commercialising music publishing rights.
SMG-Three LLC ( SMG-Three ) and Sony Music Publishing ( SMP ) (together Sony Music ) propose to acquire 100% of the shares of Recognition Music Group (Delaware) L.P. ( Recognition Music ) from funds advised and/or managed by Blackstone, Inc. (the Acquisition ). SMG-Three and SMP are ultimately majority-owned and controlled by Sony Group Corporation. Sony Music and Recognition Music are both active in the music publishing industry. Sony Music acquires and commercialises music publishing rights, including performing and mechanical rights, online rights, synchronisation rights and print rights. Recognition Music holds music publishing rights.
The ACCC has prepared a questionnaire on the Acquisition. Submissions or information in response to the questionnaire should be provided by 10 June 2026 via email to mergers@accc.gov.au with the title Submission re: Sony Music – Recognition Music . The ACCC’s ability to give detailed consideration to submissions received after this time may be limited.