Sidley partner Matthew C. Thompson has been named to the 2021 “Variety500” report, an annual collection of the 500 most influential business leaders shaping the global media industry. The annual report profiles industry leaders who innovate, take risks, spur growth, and make the kind of moves that prompt consumers and professionals alike to take notice. This is the third consecutive year he has been featured in the list.
In its profile, Variety commended Matt for being “at the forefront of the red-hot music catalog sales market,” closing significant music-related acquisitions for Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group. He was further cited for his representation of Mark Burnett, chairman of MGM Worldwide Television Group and the largest individual shareholder in MGM, in the sale of MGM to Amazon for US$8.45 billion.
Matt is leader of the Media and Entertainment group firmwide. He represents entertainment companies and sources of capital in complex M&A and financing transactions, as well as general corporate matters. He also represents entertainment companies, and other similar parties, in a wide variety of industry-focused commercial transactions.