However, things became real when the catalogue of songs from ATV Music became available to purchase, and both Sir Paul and Yoko Ono, John Lennon’s widow, decided against purchasing them.
Michael bought the rights to these songs, as well as some early George Harrison songs, for $47.5million (£36.7million) in 1985.
The catalogue came up for sale in 1984, and there were various bids for the publishing company.
However, Michael’s bid was successful, starting with $46million (£35.5million.)
