Jackson memorabilia tour gets OK

A Los Angeles judge ruled on Friday that an exhibition of Michael Jackson's memorabilia can hit the road.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff approved the deal between the late pop icon's estate and AEG Live-owned Arts and Exhibitions International to exhibit Jackson memorabilia in three cities. He said there was "no question in my mind that this agreement is in the best interest of the estate."

The tour is expected to earn up to $6 million US.

Jackson's mother had expressed concerns that a tour could harm her son's legacy and hadn't been competitively bid.

John Schreiber, a lawyer for Katharine Jackson, argued there was no need to conduct "a fire sale" of the memorabilia.

But Beckloff objected to Schreiber's hyperbole and said he was convinced the negotiations were above board.

He also noted the lack of reasonable alternatives presented by Katherine Jackson's lawyers, such as their mention of a company starting up in the Middle East that might be able to handle the exhibition. "The most foolhardy thing the administrators could do is connect with some startup company from the Middle East," he said.

A separate lawyer representing the singer's children was in favour of the memorabilia tour.

The first stop will be at London's 02 Arena where Jackson was scheduled to open his 50-concert comeback tour this summer, John Norman, president and CEO of Arts and Exhibitions International, told The Associated Press.

He plans to open the exhibit around the date of the Oct. 28 premiere of the film, Michael Jackson THIS IS IT, that includes footage from the singer's final rehearsals.

Norman said the tour would be spread over two years, with the exhibition staying between four to six months in each city.

He added that the other two venues would be decided upon later, with Los Angeles probably at the top of the list.

It hasn't yet been determined what items will be on display.