Singapore-based investment firm GIC and Japan’s renowned Sony Music Group (SMG) have announced a new joint investment partnership, aiming to acquire premium music catalogues across diverse genres and strengthen their global presence in the music industry. The announcement was made on Wednesday, signalling a significant step towards expanding both companies’ influence and reach in the international music market.
According to GIC, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to growth in the music sector. The investment firm will contribute long-term capital and extensive global investment expertise, complementing SMG’s operational capabilities and over a century of experience in the music business.
SMG brings to the partnership a vast network of artists and songwriters, international business connections, and operational expertise, which will be pivotal in identifying, acquiring, and managing valuable music catalogues. Kevin Kelleher, CEO of SMG, stated:
“By combining GIC’s long-term capital with Sony Music Group’s operational proficiency, this partnership will create new opportunities for artists and songwriters worldwide.”
On the other hand, Girish Karira, Head of GIC’s Integrated Strategies Group, emphasised the strategic vision:
“As a long-term investor, we aim to be a creative and flexible partner for industry leaders. The music sector is a resilient market with significant potential for long-term growth. Expanding subscriber bases in emerging markets and premium content offerings will further enhance streaming revenues.”
GIC has been actively investing in the music industry since 2017, evaluating opportunities across companies, catalogues, and music-focused funds. Simultaneously, the firm has pursued partnerships with Japanese companies since the 1980s, seeking to expand local collaborations. Sony Bank Inc. is also participating as a key partner in this venture.
The table below summarises the key aspects of the partnership:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Partnership | GIC (Singapore) & SMG (Japan) |
| Objective | Acquisition and management of premium music catalogues |
| GIC Contribution | Long-term capital and global investment expertise |
| SMG Contribution | Artist & songwriter network; 100+ years of industry experience |
| Prior Music Investment | GIC investing in music since 2017 |
| Japan Market Presence | Partnerships and investments since the 1980s |
| Other Partners | Sony Bank Inc. |
Industry analysts suggest that this collaboration could accelerate global growth in the music sector, offering new financial and creative opportunities for both artists and investors. Through strategic acquisitions and investment in high-quality catalogues, the partnership is expected to enhance the value of premium content and drive growth in the global music streaming market.