It’s official: Hipgnosis Song Management has acquired the catalog of Justin Bieber.

Hipgnosis has secured a 100% interest in Bieber’s publishing copyrights (including the writer’s share of performance), recordings and neighboring rights for the 290 titles released before 12/31/2021. The acquisition has been made on behalf of Hipgnosis Songs Capital, a partnership between Hipgnosis Song Management and funds managed by Blackstone. The original recordings, we're told, will continue to be owned by UMG in perpetuity.

“The impact of Justin Bieber on global culture over the last 14 years has truly been remarkable,” Hipgnosis chieftain Merck Mercuriadis said: “At only 28 years of age, he is one of a handful of defining artists of the streaming era that has revitalized the entire music industry, taking a loyal and worldwide audience with him on a journey from teen phenomenon to culturally important artist. This acquisition ranks among the biggest deals ever made for an artist under the age of 70. Such is the power of this incredible catalog, which has almost 82m monthly listeners and over 30b streams on Spotify alone. Scooter Braun has helped Justin build a magnificent catalog, and it’s a pleasure to welcome Justin and his incredible songs and recordings to the Hipgnosis family."

Said Braun: “I want to thank Merck and his entire Hipgnosis team and all of the partners involved for working so hard to make this historic deal happen. When Justin made the decision to make a catalog deal, we quickly found that the best partner to preserve and grow this amazing legacy was Merck and Hipgnosis. For over a decade now, Justin Bieber has entertained us and moved us with some of the biggest songs in the world. I’m so proud of him and all those involved over the years in helping amass this incredible body of work. Justin is truly a once-in-a-generation artist, and that is reflected and acknowledged by the magnitude of this deal. For 15 years I have been grateful to witness this journey, and today I am happy for all those involved. Justin’s greatness is just beginning.”

Bieber was represented by Braun, CEO of HYBE America and Bieber’s manager of 15 years; Aaron Rosenberg and Audrey Benoualid at Myman Greenspan Fox Rosenberg Mobasser Younger & Light LLP; David Bolno at NKSFB; and Michael Rhodes at Cooley.