The UK pop star is nearing the end of his $80 million contract with EMI and now wants to give up half of his business to investors for the next stage of his career.

The move means Williams would be able to fund his own career without having to rely on a record label.

The deal would include revenues from music sales, ticket sales and publishing.

Williams' manager Tim Clark has confirmed that he is talking to investors including financial institutions for the next phase of the Williams' business.

Is Robbie Williams a good investment? Well the last financial year saw the Williams fortune sink by around $50 million.

Williams was a big ticket at the box-office for live performances and was able to sell truckloads of albums in Australia and Europe but he has never managed to crack to lucrative USA.

Williams' new album 'Reality Killed The Video Star' has likewise failed to impact with fans.

Certainly owning a piece of the business of Robbie Williams may seem enticing to some but the reality is Williams best years are behind him.