Hair metal legends Mötley Crüe have sold their back catalogue to music publishing group BMB in a deal reportedly worth $150,000.

The American magazine Variety reports the deal is worth around this figure, although other sources claim that the sum is "significantly lower".

"It feels amazing to be collaborating with our new partners at BMG," the band said in a statement discussing the deal.

"This is more than just a significant transaction," BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch added. "It's a new chapter for an extraordinary catalogue. Few bands understand the myth and the magic of rock like Mötley Crüe do."

"Their extensive track record of success in rock made them the perfect home to continue preserving and growing our musical legacy, ensuring we always stay at the top."

'The Crüe' join other well-known musicians in selling ownership or publishing rights to their songs for massive deals in recent years, such as Lindsay Buckingham, Blondie, Neil Young and Tina Turner.

Turner made a reported $50 Million from selling her share of her recordings, her music publishing writer's share, and her name, image and likeness, also to BMG.

According to the massive music publishing group at the time, the Turner acquisition forms part of a broader strategy to create a "21st century home for the most iconic music rights in popular music history".