December 6, 2002 — Legendary rock artists AC/DC have signed a multifaceted agreement with Sony Music Entertainment (SME).

AC/DC have entered into a long-term, multi-album deal for new recordings, which will be released through Epic Records. In addition, SME has acquired the rights to AC/DC's entire catalog of recordings including such classic albums as Back in Black; Live '92; High Voltage; Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap; and Highway to Hell, all of which will be re-released on Epic Records in early 2003. Additional AC/DC titles are slated for release later in the year.

All re-issues of the AC/DC catalog titles will feature restored album art, as well as enhanced packaging including additional rare and historic photos, new liner notes, and comprehensive track information.

The Australian rock band, AC/DC, was formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young, and has gone on to earn numerous platinum and multi- platinum awards around the world. AC/DC have sold a career total of over 140 million albums worldwide. In recognition of the band's stature as a major force in music history, AC/DC will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March of 2003.

AC/DC's move to Sony Music Entertainment reunites the band with two executives who played a role in their early success -- Epic Records Chairman David R. Glew, who helped guide AC/DC's career during his tenure as Executive Vice President/General Manager of Atlantic Records, and Epic's Executive Vice President and General Manager, Steve Barnett, who previously served as the band's manager.

In the U.S., AC/DC have earned the fifth highest ranking in terms of album certifications, according to the RIAA. The band's 1980 release, Back in Black, has sold an impressive 41 million copies worldwide, making it the sixth highest- selling album in history. Classic AC/DC releases include High Voltage (1976); Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976); Let There Be Rock (1977); Powerage (1978); If You Want Blood, You've Got It (Live) (1978); Highway to Hell (1979); Back in Black (1980); For Those About to Rock (We Salute You) (1981); Flick of the Switch (1983); '74 Jailbreak (1984); Fly on the Wall (1985); Who Made Who (soundtrack from the film Maximum Overdrive) (1986); Blow Up Your Video (1988); The Razor's Edge (1990); AC/DC Live {single and two-disc versions} (1992); Bonfire (boxset) (1997).