Influence Media Partners, backed by BlackRock-managed funds and accounts, has agreed to acquire substantially all assets of Anthem Entertainment for more than $600 million, including catalogs spanning over 24,000 released songs and 60,000 unexploited works. According to Influence Media Founder and Co-Managing Partner Lylette Pizarro McLean, the transaction encompasses music publishing catalogs, film and television publishing assets, and a master recording portfolio that weaves into iconic global media moments.
Anthem Entertainment Catalog Assets and Financial Backing
The acquired catalog features shares in major tracks such as Britney Spears’ “Oops!… I Did It Again,” Justin Timberlake’s “SexyBack,” Timbaland’s “The Way I Are,” Cody Johnson’s “Til You Can’t,” Rush’s “Tom Sawyer,” and OneRepublic’s “Counting Stars.” Additional works include material from songwriters Jordan Davis, Shane Profitt, and Chris Janson. Furthermore, the film and television catalog contains soundtracks from franchises like “Spider-Man,” “Men in Black,” and Lego Ninjago.
According to Lylette Pizarro McLean, Anthem’s catalog extends far beyond hit songs into music woven into iconic cultural moments. Paul Braude, Chief Investment Officer of the Direct Private Opportunities Group at BlackRock, stated that Anthem’s catalog exemplifies the high-quality, scaled intellectual property assets sought within BlackRock’s direct private opportunities. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in Q4 2026.
Jason Klein, CEO of Anthem Entertainment Inc., noted that the company has built a rich and diverse catalog over two decades, adding that serving as custodian of the music over the past three years has been a privilege. Truist led the debt financing raise supporting the transaction and acted as financial advisor to Influence Media.
Legal counsel for Influence Media was provided by Alter, Kendrick & Baron; McDermott Will & Schulte; and McCarthy Tétrault. BlackRock received legal counsel from Clifford Chance and Stikeman Elliott. Goldman Sachs served as exclusive financial advisor to Anthem, while Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt acted as Anthem’s legal counsel. Influence Media’s existing portfolio features artists such as DJ Khaled, Future, and Enrique Iglesias.
Did you know? The catalogs include more than 24,000 released songs and 60,000+ additional unexploited works.
Executive Promotions at Sony Music Publishing and Secretly Distribution
In related industry executive movements, Sony Music Publishing has promoted Ari Gelaw to Senior Vice President, Creative A&R, according to the company. A&R Katie Welle.
Since joining SMP in 2022 as Vice President, Creative A&R, Gelaw has signed BigXThaPlug, Monaleo, Victoria Monét, Flo, Samara Cyn, and J White, while continuing to collaborate with hitmakers such as Mustard, Ink, Yeat, and Leon Thomas. Katie Welle stated that Gelaw’s sharp creative instinct and dedication to songwriters have been key to the company’s growth.
Separately, Secretly Distribution has promoted Kristian Downs to Executive Director, Platform Operations, reporting to COO and Partner Chris Welz. Downs continues to oversee SD’s Digital Operations team while providing strategic ownership and operational direction for core platform infrastructure. Chris Welz noted that Downs has transformed digital operations over the past six years.
HYBE Global Distribution Leadership Change
Veteran executive Mike Rittberg has departed his role as President of Global Distribution at HYBE, where he directed commercial partnerships, retail strategy, supply chain, international marketing, and physical production. Rittberg’s prior experience includes leadership roles at Warner Bros. Records, Verve Records, Bill Silva Management, and Big Machine Label Group, where he served as Chief Operating Officer. His career spans artist development, marketing, distribution, and global partnerships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What assets are included in the Influence Media and Anthem Entertainment agreement?
The agreement covers substantially all of Anthem Entertainment’s assets, including music publishing catalogs with over 24,000 released songs and 60,000 unexploited works, film and television publishing assets, and a portfolio of master recordings.
When is the transaction expected to close?
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Who is financing the Anthem Entertainment acquisition?
Truist led the debt financing raise supporting the transaction, working alongside funds and accounts managed by affiliates of BlackRock.
What artists and catalogs are represented in the Anthem portfolio?
The catalog includes works associated with Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Rush, OneRepublic, Cody Johnson, Jordan Davis, Shane Profitt, and Chris Janson, alongside soundtracks for the “Spider-Man” and “Men in Black” franchises.
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