Publisher in Metrophonic signing coup.(News)

Brian Rawling has struck a worldwide administration deal with Universal Music Publishing for Metrophonic Music and his newly-acquired Ministry of Sound song catalogue.

The long-term agreement comes just four months after the hit writer and producer took back full control of Metrophonic's publishing venture with the premature ending of a five-year agreement he struck in 2001 with Ministry of Sound. He also took control of Ministry's publishing arm, giving Metrophonic a combined empire of 200 clients and 17,000 copyrights.

Rawling, who additionally bought out Ministry's 50% stake in Metrophonic Music as part of MoS's wider withdrawal from song publishing, says his decision to opt for Universal Music Publishing followed conversations over the past 12 to 18 months with its managing director and Europe executive vice president Paul Connolly. "He's got to be one of the best guys in the world and he's very inspirational--he's helped me so much already," says Rawling, whose Metrophonic writers have been responsible for four Billboard number one hits.

Rawling says that under the previous arrangement with Ministry he realised that, about a year and-a-half into the deal, it was unlikely to evolve into a ...