Beatles publishing for sale?

dougp · Post by **dougp** » Fri Apr 15, 2005 2:41 pm

This has been rumored for some time. Unfortunately this "official" source is the Moonie-owned Washington Times, so the reporting must remain suspect.

http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20050415-113031-4884r.htm

But still ...

jwilli · Post by **jwilli** » Fri Apr 15, 2005 2:57 pm

Shhh, I am thinking about buying it.

britye · Post by **britye** » Sat Apr 16, 2005 8:56 am

Does anyone think that Paul and/or Yoko might step up to the plate?

apollo11 · Post by **apollo11** » Sat Apr 16, 2005 11:25 am

Years ago, I think it was 1984, McCartney was on the cover of People magazine---he had just become the richest person in entertainment, with a fortune estimated at some $400 million. The next year he was outbid and lost the Beatles catalog, which sold for $47 million, roughly 10% of his fortune. A couple of years ago he hit the billionaire club, and now the catalog has an estimated worth of $500 million, roughly 50% of his fortune. Even if he obtains the half that Jackson currently owns, it will take 25% of his fortune to do it.

I'd love to see McCartney or MPL Communications take ownership, but I don't think it will happen.

karl_teten · Post by **karl_teten** » Sat Apr 16, 2005 11:38 am

If Yoko steps in then all Paul would be out is $250 million.

He'll make that up on his next tour! lol

bottom4 · Post by **bottom4** » Sat Apr 16, 2005 11:53 am

Wasn't there a story about Ms Lennon messing with Macca back then - that's why he lost out - no?

route66guitars · Post by **route66guitars** » Mon Apr 18, 2005 5:24 pm

I believe Sony has the option to buy Jackson's remaining interest in ATV if he fails to meet his obligations under his contract. The article above hints that this is what has happened, as it mentions annual payments to Jackson after his debt is erased.

dr_wahnsinn · Post by **dr_wahnsinn** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 2:27 pm

Originally posted by Bottom4_0: "Wasn't there a story about Ms Lennon messing with Macca back then - that's why he lost out - no?"

Don't ask me where or when, but I remember hearing or seeing a McCartney interview where he stated that, when the songs went up for sale, he called Yoko hoping she'd go in 50/50. Yoko told him that the price was too high and they could get them cheaper by waiting. Of course the songs sold and Paul's participation was limited to that of spectator.

Paul said that he didn't want to buy the songs outright without first consulting Yoko because it would look rather selfish. If true, that is arguably the biggest financial blunder made by a Beatle, The Beatles as a group, or by Brian Epstein.