Sony Confirms Deal With Cowell

19 Jan 2010 at 12:42:56 by Andy Alderson

Sony has confirmed a deal with Simon Cowell to create a multimedia venture which includes the X Factor and Got Talent brands.

The deal was rumoured back in December and it was today confirmed that Sony-owned Syco assets including X Factor, Got Talent, Leona Lewis and Susan Boyle will all come under the umbrella of the new venture. According to a report on The Guardian website, the venture will retain the name Syco and will be co-owned by an as yet unnamed Cowell company and Sony.

Topshop mogul Philip Green, also part of the talks back in December, will be a shareholder in Cowell’s unnamed company.

The business will apparently be a "new long-term global venture to focus on the production and exploitation of music, television, film and digital content".

While there was no specific mention of gaming in the article – the US launch of the X Factor will be the first item of business for the venture – Cowell did express his interest in the industry back in December.

"This new venture will allow Sony Music and all Sony divisions to develop and pursue a host of new opportunities with this supremely talented individual," said Sony’s Howard Stringer.

What do you think about Cowell getting involved in the industry? Check out our column on the topic and let us know in the comments section below.
 

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