London-based Cutting Edge Group has acquired Emmy Award-winning composer John Paesano's music catalog, adding to its portfolio valued at more than $1 billion. The firm, founded by Philip Moross 20 years ago, takes an unconventional approach in the music investment space by targeting TV and film composer catalogs rather than pop/rock artists.

CEG's strategy capitalizes on shifting consumer viewing habits, with streaming now dominating US TV consumption at over 60 percent of total screen time. The firm's M&A head Tim Hegarty emphasizes that digital platforms create a more meritocratic environment where consumers choose generating consistent royalty streams for CEG's catalog holdings. The Paesano acquisition includes scores from major franchises like Maze Runner, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and Marvel's Daredevil.

The deal was executed through direct relationships without intermediaries, reflecting CEG's preference for private transactions. Hegarty notes that scale and diversification drive value in this market, with CEG having acquired over 2,000 titles including John Wick, Stranger Things, and Bridgerton. The firm plans to enhance the catalog's value through improved royalty collection and secondary revenue streams like sync licensing and live-to-picture concerts.