British singer-songwriter Sting has sold his entire music catalogue to Universal Music Group (UMG). The music catalogue includes hits like “Roxanne”, “Every Breath You Take” and “Message in a Bottle”. 

The price is not disclosed, but according to The New York Times, the deal is worth around $300 million and encompasses the copyrights to more than 600 songs as well as future royalties on the catalogue. 

“Throughout my career, I have enjoyed a long and successful relationship with UMG as my label partner ... so it felt natural to unite everything in one trusted home, as I return to the studio, ready for the next chapter,” Sting said in a statement. 

In response, UMG Chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge staed: “We are honoured that by choosing UMPG for his music publishing, Sting’s entire body of work as a songwriter and recording artist — from the Police to his solo work — will all be within the UMG family.” 

He added that, “Sting is a songwriting genius whose music permeates global culture.”

“It is absolutely essential to me that my career's body of work have a home where it is valued and respected – not only to connect with longtime fans in new ways but also to introduce my songs to new audiences, musicians and generations,” Sting added.

According to The New York Post, this move marks the continuation of a trend of a long string of established artists selling their music catalogues to investors or music labels. The emergence of streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music are considered as the reasons behind this trend as through it artists could gain more lucrative royalties. 

Earlier this year, John Legend sold his music catalogue to KKR-BMG for an undisclosed amount. David Bowie's estate also sold his publishing catalogue to Warner Chappell Music in a deal worth upward of $250 million. Last December, Sony acquired Bruce Springsteen's music catalogue and recorded music copyrights for an estimated $550 million.