Michael Jackson was working on an album with Moroccan producer RedOne (real name Nadir Khayat) just before he died. Those who had heard the music describe it as a return to form with a sound similar to his eighties heyday, but add the late star was “unable to let go” and there was no prospect of an actual release date while he was alive. Now, though, one obstacle to releasing a new album has gone — but there could be several others. Those in the know say that Jackson refused to sign any paperwork connected with the new recording, which they reckon would mean that RedOne owns all the material by default, except for Jackson’s vocals. That would mean not much cash for the estate . . . or, more likely, plenty for the lawyers to fight over when the time comes.

One senseless free sheet war has been averted, in the relatively small market of Dublin. Metro Ireland (owners Daily Mail and General Trust and The Irish Times) is merging with Herald AM, part of the under-pressure Independent News & Media. Each ends up with a third but the savings to DMGT are not large enough for it to be worth telling the City

A couple of Apax’s media investments are struggling. First there is Incisive Media, home to Legal Week and Computing — which is most likely to see Apax’s £65 million investment wiped out in a debt for equity swap, unless the lenders decide to give Apax one last chance and let it inject £20 million of new equity or so. Then, there is Hit Entertainment, home to Thomas The Tank Engine, which is doing a bit better. Before the downturn, Hit was generating only $59 million of cash to service $45 million of interest payments. Not much headroom there, which explains a recent round of layoffs.

Universal re-released eight Rolling Stones albums on May 4 and June 8 after Mick Jagger’s band walked out of their long-running EMI deal. UK sales? So far, 4,200. Hardly figures to die for.

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