BREAKTHROUGH DEAL OF THE YEAR
BUYER: JOHN MAYER & McG
SELLER: JIM HENSON COMPANY
DEAL TEAM: Alta West Partners; Carlton Fields; Industry Partners; Prime Finance
In one of the most culturally significant and strategically savvy real estate transactions of the year, Grammy-winning musician John Mayer and film director McG finalized a deal to acquire the legendary Jim Henson Company Lot in Hollywood – formerly A&M Studios, and originally the Charlie Chaplin Studios. Built by Chaplin in 1917, this storied lot has long been a beacon of creativity, hosting everything from The Muppets and Adventures of Superman starring George Reeves, to Hanna-Barbera classics like The Flintstones and The Jetsons, as well as the iconic courtroom drama Perry Mason. It was also the recording site for “We Are the World‚” and has welcomed musical legends such as Joni Mitchell and John Mayer himself As the Jim Henson Company transitions operations to a consolidated campus in Burbank, Mayer and McG stepped in with a unified vision: to honor the lot’s iconic past while investing in its creative future. What makes this deal stand out is its rare blend of heart and strategy. Beyond the dollar value, this acquisition is a love letter to Hollywood’s golden age and a rallying cry for preserving creative sanctuaries. The buyers bring deep industry credentials, positioning them uniquely to build upon the studio’s legacy. Most notably, the deal headed off other competitive entities whose involvement could have raised concern among preservationists and the local creative community. Mayer and McG’s successful bid ensured that this historic space would remain a public-facing, artist-driven hub for storytelling and innovation.
