SESAC Attracts Multiple Private Equity Offers as Blackstone Explores 2025 Sale Following BMI Deal

SESAC Attracts Multiple Private Equity Offers as Blackstone Explores 2025 Sale Following BMI Deal

By Marcus Delano Thompson

January 16, 2025 at 04:01 AM

Private equity firms are actively pursuing SESAC following Blackstone's reported openness to sale offers in 2025. This development comes after New Mountain Capital's acquisition of BMI and Hellman & Friedman's reported majority stake purchase in Global Music Rights (GMR) at a $3.3 billion valuation.

SESAC logo

SESAC logo

Multiple private equity firms, including those who previously attempted to acquire GMR, have approached Blackstone about purchasing SESAC. Blackstone is reportedly being selective in its discussions, primarily engaging with firms that initiated contact rather than broadly marketing the PRO.

SESAC's portfolio includes:

  • Audiam
  • Harry Fox Agency
  • AudioSalad
  • HAAWK
  • Rumblefish

The PRO's April 2024 expansion of its "Music Services Division" appears strategically timed, consolidating its subsidiaries into a comprehensive licensing, administration, and royalty-collection hub.

Unlike BMI and ASCAP, SESAC operates without a consent decree, potentially making it more attractive to buyers. This comes during a period of significant music industry consolidation, with Warner Music actively seeking acquisitions and Universal Music recently purchasing Downtown Music through Virgin.

The potential SESAC sale reflects continued institutional confidence in music assets' long-term value, though rising inflation may be influencing some companies' decisions to explore major sales opportunities.

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Drake performing onstage with mic

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Neon Boiler Room sign

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