AceShowbiz - A recent ruling by a California appellate court has confirmed that Michael Jackson's estate executors have the right to proceed with a $600 million transaction involving the sale of the singer's music catalog to Sony. This decision comes despite Katherine Jackson's attempts to block the deal, arguing it violated Michael's will. The court's final ruling manifests that the executors (John Branca and John McClain) did not breach any terms of the will when finalizing the deal with Sony.

The court's opinion emphasized that Michael's will "give the executors broad powers to manage estate property while the estate remains in probate." This means the prior judge did not abuse discretion in authorizing the deal. The court explicitly stated, "The proposed transaction is not a gift or distribution of estate assets - it is an asset sale, pursuant to which the estate receives a significant monetary payment and interest in a joint venture."

Katherine Jackson argued that transferring a significant portion of the estate's assets to a joint venture would hamper the ability to transfer the entire estate to the trust named as beneficiaries. Nevertheless, the court decided that this sale aligns with Michael's intent, emphasizing that such transactions neither diminish the estate's value nor obstruct the future transfer of assets to the trust.

Despite the legal setbacks, Katherine can still appeal the ruling to the California Supreme Court. However, odds favoring an overturn remain low. The extensive legal battle has revealed a rift between Jackson's heirs. His children - Prince Jackson, Paris Jackson and Blanket (Bigi) Jackson - eventually accepted the decision allowing the deal to move forward after initially opposing it.

The estate maintains "effective control over Michael's music" while diversifying its asset range. This arrangement allows the estate to benefit from both tax advantages and earnings. Michael Jackson's estates have appreciated significantly in value since his death, transforming from "nothing but debt" into a "$2 billion estate," according to their lawyer.

In conclusion, the Sony deal's court approval signifies a pivotal moment for Michael Jackson's estate, marking continued efforts to navigate complicated legal and financial matters while honoring the King of Pop's legacy.