Simon Cowell and his Syco Entertainment have launched Syco Publishing in partnership with UMPG.

The venture will sign and develop songwriters and catalogs that will be administered and supported exclusively through UMPG globally. The initiative will create opportunities for SP's writers to work in Cowell’s network of media formats and projects, including the X Factor and Got Talent brands.

“Simon has been a good friend for decades, and I’m thrilled he has finally decided to launch a publishing business with UMPG,” said UMPG U.K. MD Mike McCormack. “His track record is incredible—he’s always had great instincts and passion for outstanding songs, and he brings incredible value to every songwriter, producer and catalog he works with. The UMPG team looks forward to working closely with Simon on Syco Publishing and providing the best global support to develop tomorrow’s stars.”

Syco Publishing is home to British artist Lucy Spraggan and producer John Samuel Gerhart, as well as catalog rights to hits by Fifth Harmony, James Arthur, Grace VanderWaal and Camila Cabello, including “Havana” and “Sangria Wine.” The catalog also includes rights to songs performed by Ed Sheeran, Machine Gun Kelly, Major Lazer, Mark Ronson and others.

“There is nothing more important than a great song,” Cowell said. “I started my career in music publishing. Mike and Universal have given me the chance to build a music publishing company. They are a brilliant company and share my wish to work with amazing songwriters.”

Syco Publishing is the second songwriting project Syco Entertainment and Universal Music Group have launched collaboratively; in 2022 the companies teamed on StemDrop, a platform for musical collaboration, curation and artist discovery, which launched exclusively with TikTok and Samsung.

The UMG ventures follow Cowell’s exit from Sony, which occurred in 2020 when he bought back the latter’s stake in Syco Entertainment.