Blackstone is exploring the potential sale of SESAC, with reports indicating an expected price tag of $3 billion or more. The sale would likely include SESAC Music Group's entire portfolio, including Audiam and the Harry Fox Agency.

Three major entities have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring SESAC:

• Apollo Global Management
• Warburg Pincus
• Temasek Holdings (Singapore's state-owned investment firm)

This development follows several significant moves in the performance rights space:

• Hellman & Friedman's recent majority stake acquisition in Global Music Rights (GMR)
• New Mountain Capital's 2023 buyout of Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI)

ASCAP, now the only remaining non-profit performing rights organization in the U.S., recently announced a $1 million distribution to members affected by the Los Angeles fires.

The timing of this price disclosure could be strategic, potentially aimed at generating additional offers and increasing demand. Neither Blackstone nor the reported bidders have publicly commented on the proposed price.

This potential sale reflects the continuing trend of private equity interest in performance rights organizations, marking another significant shift in the music industry's ownership landscape.

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