Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has signed the Roxette catalogue and songwriter Per Gessle for a global administration deal.

Over a career lasting three decades, Roxette have been one of Sweden’s most successful bands with international sales in excess of 75 million, second only to ABBA. The duo’s 1991 album Joyride is certified double platinum in the UK.

"Roxette’s phenomenal song collection has a place in the hearts of music lovers across generations, with a longevity that has few comparisons,” said UMPG UK Managing Director Mike McCormack. “Per wrote all of his and Roxette’s massive worldwide hits almost exclusively on his own, which is extremely rare in the pop marketplace where multiple writers are usually involved in each song. This gives the songs real personality and a sense of fun – and always with a killer chorus. We’re incredibly honoured and excited to have been selected to represent the catalogue.”

The UMPG deal excludes the Nordic Region and Baltic States.

For more stories like this, and to keep up to date with all our market leading news, features and analysis, sign up to receive our daily Morning Briefing newsletter