PUBLISH NOT PERISH: Both Universal Music Publishing and Sony ATV would be interested parties for Bertelsmann’s publishing unit, which is not part of the recorded music joint venture, but is reportedly also on the block. If Warner Chappell’s worth is pegged at between $1.2-1.5 billion, the stated $1.5 billion value of BMG Music Publishing would seem inflated, with the real price tag somewhere south of $1 billion. Any Sony ATV move, though, would face at least a temporary stumbling block in partner Michael Jackson, though insiders say that situation could be resolved sooner rather than later. If it is, Sony ATV would seem to have a great deal to gain from acquiring Bertie’s publishing assets. (3/29p) |