MUMBAI: Celebrated music director A R Rahman has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing deal, excluding India, with Universal Music Publishing Group.

A recent new report mentions that the deal with Rahman includes large portions of his catalog as well as new music rights to the 'Slumdog' music will be included in the UMPG deal. Rahman, who previously did not have an overall publishing deal, is finishing the music for Universal's 'Couples Retreat' starring Vince Vaughn, and will soon be going into the studio with producer Jimmy Lovine and chairman of UMG label Interscope Geffen A&M Records to create the music for an album featuring guest vocalists.

Rahman's scores and soundtracks have sold more than 100 millions units worldwide. David Renzer, chairman and CEO of UMPG said that the fact that he is a two-time Oscar winner has really elevated his visibility and notoriety globally. The Rahman deal, Renzer said, fits the company's strategy as film and television music are one of the key areas that are focused on.