UMPG has announced the singing of Hillsong to an administration and writer development agreement in Europe, including the U.K.

The agreement includes both of Hillsong's music publishing operations—Hillsong Music Publishing and SHOUT! Music Publishing—which together a significant catalogue of Christian and commercial genres.

UMPG will work with Hillsong to provide music publishing administration services for the Church’s catalogue in Europe. The deal will also allow for UMPG and Hillsong to collaborate in writer development opportunities, as well as new joint signings.

The groups published by Hillsong Music Publishing include Grammy-nominated Hillsong Worship, Hillsong Young & Free, Hillsong UNITED and Hillsong Kids. . Hillsong UNITED’s song ‘Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)’ by Joel Houston, Matt Crocker and Salomon Ligthelm spent a record 61 weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart and is certified double platinum in the U.S.

Dougie Bruce, UMPG UK A&R said: “The administration agreement with Hillsong is a fantastic relationship that has grown from initially exploring collaborative and creative ideas to formalising a partnership in a unique environment. We are looking forward to integrating their writers into our team and identifying key opportunities across the music sphere. UMPG will also handle some 11,000 existing works, and new signings and songs will further increase this catalogue.”

Steve McPherson, Publishing Manager of Hillsong said: “UMPG are leaders in the music publishing world and we’re looking forward to exploring the opportunities for our song writers and have great respect and trust in their team. We have had fruitful relationships within the Universal family in different parts of the world for many years and we’re very excited to extend this to the UK and Europe.”