King of pop plans to sing a new tune in Europe

LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson has fired his business managers, hired a New York firm to oversee his financial affairs and is moving to Europe, his spokeswoman said Tuesday.

Raymone K. Bain said in a statement that she has been named general manager of the new Michael Jackson Co., which will replace Jackson’s MJJ Productions.

The pop star has been living in Bahrain since he was acquitted of child molestation charges a year ago.

Jackson recently had to shutter his elaborate Neverland ranch in Santa Ynez because of unpaid salaries and insurance fees.

The change in management, which Bain called “the first of a sweeping restructuring of his personal and business affairs,” is an apparent attempt by Jackson to salvage his finances.

The singer will maintain a house in Bahrain, Bain said in a phone interview.

He decided to move to Europe for access to music industry figures, she said.

Jackson is planning appearances and performances in the next several months; he also expects to release an album next year, Bain said.