Warner Music Group (WMG) has acquired a controlling stake in Tempo Music Investments, their catalog-focused joint venture originally launched with Providence Equity Partners in 2019.

The acquisition, valued at approximately $450 million according to anonymous sources, gives WMG control over a significant catalog that includes works from major artists like Twenty One Pilots, Adele, Bruno Mars, and Wiz Khalifa. The catalog composition is roughly 80% publishing rights and 20% recorded music rights.

Key details of the deal:

• Providence Equity remains as a minority stakeholder
• WMG has an option to purchase Providence's remaining stake by the end of 2027
• The catalog was initially launched with $650 million in funding

This acquisition aligns with Warner Music's aggressive buyout strategy under CEO Robert Kyncl, following their recent acquisitions of DWA and Extravaganza catalogs in early 2025. To further strengthen their acquisition capabilities, WMG recently hired Goldman Sachs veteran Michael Ryan-Southern.

According to Ryan-Southern, "WMG and Tempo have a long-standing history and aligned interests in uplifting great music and catalogs. This deal is a natural fit for us, and a good example of how our investment strategy is designed to build our scale and influence, while delivering additional revenue at a high margin."

Kyncl emphasized that the investment will become more valuable as deals with other publishers expire, allowing WMG to expand direct control over the catalog.

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