SESAC may be up for sale in 2025, as current owner Blackstone is reportedly entertaining private equity offers following recent major industry acquisitions. This development comes after New Mountain Capital's purchase of BMI and Hellman & Friedman's reported majority stake acquisition in Global Music Rights (GMR) at a $3.3 billion valuation.

Multiple private equity firms, including some that previously showed interest in GMR, have approached Blackstone about purchasing SESAC. Blackstone is taking a selective approach, primarily engaging with these interested parties rather than broadly marketing the sale.

SESAC's portfolio includes several valuable subsidiaries:

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

In April 2024, SESAC expanded its Music Services Division, creating a comprehensive licensing, administration, and royalty-collection hub that incorporates these subsidiaries. This strategic move may have been preparation for a potential sale.

The timing appears favorable for a SESAC sale, considering:

• BMI's successful sale despite operating under a consent decree
• SESAC's advantage of not being subject to such restrictions
• Continued institutional interest in music assets
• Strong market activity in music industry acquisitions

Recent industry developments also support the possibility of a sale, including Warner Music's dedicated acquisition executive appointment and Universal Music's purchase of Downtown Music through Virgin.

The potential sale reflects broader industry trends, including rising inflation and increasing consolidation in the music business, where established players maintain significant advantages over new entrants.

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