U2 signed a 12-year deal with the promotion / touring company Live Nation back in March. When signing the deal U2 received 1.56 million shares of the big promoter which equals out to $19 million. The deal includes the band’s tours, merchandising and their official website. It, however, does not include releasing music. U2 will remain with Universal Music and rely on Live Nation to do nearly everything else. U2 is set to release their new album in early 2009