Chrysalis' Jackson songs 'surge'

Michael Jackson's Thriller was published by Chrysalis

Entertainment group Chrysalis says its trading in the three months to June 30 saw an "extraordinary surge" in sales of Michael Jackson's recorded music.

Chrysalis publishes a number of the late singer's hits, including Thriller, Rock With You and Off the Wall, all written by Rod Temperton.

Millions of Jackson's albums and singles have been sold worldwide since his death on 25 June.

The firm said its overall financial performance was in line with forecasts.

It said cutting costs remained a focus, adding: "We remain focused on minimising our corporate overhead which was substantially lower than the comparative period."

The firm did not reveal what these figures were.

Net debt reached £12.1m during the quarter, up £5.3m compared to the same period a year earlier, largely due to the acquisition of the Richard Marx catalogue, said Chrysalis in a trading update.

The second half of the year was helped by strong performances from The Gossip and Mercury award-nominated bands Bats for Lashes and the Horrors.

The firm added: "While the macro-economic environment remains uncertain and exchange rates continue to impact performance, the last quarter of the financial year is typically the strongest."

Chrysalis said it expected to see significant demand for the new Robbie Williams album, to be released in November.