Although Sony/ATV is co-owned by the Sony Corporation and the Estate of Michael Jackson, until now Jackson's own compositions have been handled by Warner/Chappell under a previously signed deal.
"We are thrilled that the Estate of Michael Jackson has entrusted us with this incredible catalogue of songs, and everyone at Sony/ATV looks forward to finding innovative ways to use these songs, while protecting their legacy," said Marty Bandier, chairman and CEO Sony/ATV.
With this new worldwide administration agreement in place, Sony/ATV will now look after classic songs penned by him such as 'Bad', 'Beat It', 'Black And White', 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough', 'I Just Can't Stop Loving You' and 'Wanna Be Startin Somethin' as well as songs by other writers in the catalogue.
These includes Sly and the Family Stone songs, works by Philadelphia Records founders Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff and songs made famous by artists such as Ray Charles, Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin.
"We are excited that the company Michael helped found, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, and in which his Estate remains a 50 per cent partner, will represent these amazing songs along with a rich collection of other music recorded by some of our greatest popular artists," said John Branca and John McClain, the co-executors of Michael Jackson's estate.
Sony/ATV's deal comes ahead of the 25th anniversary roll-out on September 18 of BAD25, a new two-disc package and CD of Jackson's Bad album.
All Jackson's songs on the album are part of the new deal.
It also gives Sony/ATV access to classics such as the McFadden & Whitehead disco classic 'Ain't No Stoppin Us Now', 'Great Balls Of Fire', 'Higher and Higher', 'I Gotta Woman', 'If You Don't Know Me By Now', 'People et Ready', 'Mr Bonjangles', 'Shake Rattle and Roll', 'When A Man Loves A Woman' and 'The Wanderer'.