Warner Music Group has acquired a controlling stake in Tempo Music Investments, their catalog-focused joint venture initially launched with Providence Equity Partners in 2019. Providence Equity will remain as a minority owner, with WMG holding an option to purchase their remaining stake by the end of 2027.

The Tempo catalog includes works from prominent artists such as Twenty One Pilots, Adele, Bruno Mars, and Wiz Khalifa. According to WMG CFO Bryan Castellani, the catalog comprises approximately 80% publishing rights and 20% recorded music rights. Sources familiar with the deal value the transaction at around $450 million, though the initial fund reportedly had $650 million available when launched.

This acquisition aligns with Warner Music's aggressive buyout strategy under CEO Robert Kyncl's leadership, following recent purchases of the DWA and Extravaganza catalogs in early 2025. To strengthen their acquisition efforts, WMG recently hired Goldman Sachs veteran Michael Ryan-Southern to enhance their strategic purchases.

Ryan-Southern commented on the deal: "WMG and Tempo have a long-standing history and aligned interests in uplifting great music and catalogs. This deal is a natural fit for us, and a good example of how our investment strategy is designed to build our scale and influence, while delivering additional revenue at a high margin."

According to Kyncl, the investment will become more valuable as existing deals with other publishers expire, allowing WMG to expand direct control over the catalog's management and exploitation.

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