Simon Cowell Gets Five Year Music Rights  12/6/05

Transatlantic TV talent judge Simon Cowell has struck a new deal with Sony BMG giving him label rights to his artists, including stars from his hit UK show The X Factor, for a further five years.

The move comes after the music mogul's TV production company Syco extended his deal with US broadcaster Fox for the same length of time.

Cowell says, "BMG has been my home for the last 15 years. I am incredibly excited to be working with one of the most talented and visionary companies in the world."

Tim Bowen of Sony BMG also expressed pleasure at the agreement: "Simon Cowell is arguably the most important creative force in popular music television and pop music in the world.

"We are incredibly proud to have extended our relationship with him."