MERCK'S TRICKY DEAL

Merck Mercuriadis got his checkbook out again, this time acquiring the catalog of Christopher “Tricky” Stewart that includes writing credits Rihanna’s “Umbrella,” Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” and Justin Bieber’s “Baby.”

Hipgnosis Songs Fund acquired a 100% interest in the 121-song catalog, which complements the publisher’s acquisition of The-Dream catalog as the two often worked together on multiple hits songs.

“This is a tremendously important acquisition for Hipgnosis and me,” said Mercuriadis, Founder of The Family (Music) Limited and Hipgnosis Songs Fund. “In addition to giving us greater ownership of multiple Grammy Award winning #1 songs, we are also reuniting the catalogs of Tricky Stewart and The-Dream who are arguably the finest song-writing duo of their time.

“These songs are big pop successes, but it’s sophisticated music of the highest order and these songs are already classics—not to mention by the culturally most important artists of their time. Tricky is a tremendous individual, writer, producer and musician whose work backs up all of the tremendous accolades and success.”

The catalog also includes credits on songs recorded by Katy Perry, Christina Aguilera, Rick Ross, Whitney Houston, Jennifer Lopez and others.

“The sale of my catalog to Hipgnosis is right for me,” Tricky Stewart said. “Selling to a friend who is fueled by purpose, motivated to do great things, with a disruptive spirit and vigor caught my attention, and ultimately led to me completing this transaction.”