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{{Short description|British music recording and publishing company}}
{{About|the defunct conglomerate|the record label Universal Music|EMI Records|the music publisher Sony Music|EMI Music Publishing|other uses|EMI (disambiguation)}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox company
| name = EMI Group Limited
| logo = [[File:EMI logo.svg|200px]]
| image = Emi_building.jpg
| image_caption = EMI's former building in London, since owned by [[Warner Music UK]].
| type = [[Privately held company|Private]]
| traded_as = [[London Stock Exchange|LSE]]: EMI (until 2007)
| ISIN = {{ISIN|sl=n|pl=y|GB0000444736}} (until 2007)
| fate = [[Reorganization|Broken up]]:<br>
* [[EMI Music Publishing]] acquired by a consortium led by [[Sony Music Publishing]] comprising
** [[Sony Corporation of America]]
** The Estate of [[Michael Jackson]]
** [[Mubadala Development Company|Mubadala Development Company PJSC]]
** [[Jynwel Capital|Jynwel Capital Limited]]
** [[The Blackstone Group]]'s [[GSO Capital Partners|GSO Capital Partners LP]]
** [[David Geffen]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/18/business/media/sony-plans-major-layoffs-of-emi-work-force.html |title=Sony Plans Major Cuts in EMI Jobs|access-date=11 April 2013|work=The New York Times| date=17 April 2012|first=Ben|last=Sisario}}</ref><br>(later wholly owned by and absorbed into Sony/ATV)
* [[Warner Music Group]] acquired [[Parlophone]], [[Chrysalis Records]] (UK artists and [[Ramones]] catalogue until 2016), [[EMI Classics]], [[Virgin Classics]], 2CD Originals Series and EMI's Belgian, Czech/Slovak, Danish, French, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish operations (including Russian EMI partner SBA/Gala and Chinese EMI partner [[Gold Typhoon]])<ref>{{cite news |title=Warner Music Group buys EMI Assets for $765 Million|url=http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/07/warner-music-group-buys-emi-assets-for-765-million/ |date=8 February 2013 |work=The New York Times|access-date=11 April 2013 |first=Ben |last=Sisario}}</ref>
* [[Universal Music Group]] acquired [[Capitol Records]], [[Virgin Records]], [[The Blue Note Label Group]], [[Positiva Records]] and most of the international operations amongst the bulk.
* [[BMG Rights Management]] acquired [[Mute Records]] and Virgin Music Publishing<ref>{{cite news|author=Sisario, Ben|date=15 February 2013|title=Music Companies Fight Over the Scraps of EMI |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |url=http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/15/music-companies-fight-over-the-scraps-of-emi/ |access-date=10 May 2013}}</ref>
* [[Blue Raincoat Music]] (parent since 2019 is Reservoir Media Management) in 2016 acquired the Chrysalis British catalogue (except 3 artists and Ramones)
| predecessor = [[Columbia Graphophone Company]]<br>[[Gramophone Company]]
| successor = [[EMI Music Publishing]]<br>[[Virgin EMI Records]]<br>[[EMI Records Nashville]]<br>[[Minos EMI]]<br>[[Studios 301]]
| foundation = {{Start date and age|df=y|1931|3|31}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emimusic.com/about/history/1930-1949/ |title=1930–1949 – EMI Music |access-date=11 October 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606062844/http://www.emimusic.com/about/history/1930-1949/ |archive-date=6 June 2011 }}</ref>
| defunct = {{End date and age|df=y|2012|9|28}}
| location = [[Westminster]]
| location_city = London
| location_country = England, United Kingdom
| key_people = Founding CEO Lenard John Brown <br> Roger Faxon (Former CEO) <br> Ruth Prior (Former CFO)
| area_served = Worldwide
| industry = [[Music industry|Music]]
| products = 
| revenue = £1.072&nbsp;billion (2009)<br>$1.65&nbsp;billion (2009)
| operating_income = £163&nbsp;million (2009)<br>(EMI Music)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emimusic.com/news/2009/emi-music-records-strong-improvement-in-full-year-operating-performance/ |title=records strong improvement in full-year operating performance |publisher=EMI Music |date=7 May 2009 |access-date=13 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606024522/http://www.emimusic.com/news/2009/emi-music-records-strong-improvement-in-full-year-operating-performance/ |archive-date=6 June 2011 }}</ref><br>£135&nbsp;million (2009)<br>([[EMI Music Publishing]])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.emimusic.com/about/reports/ |title=EMI reports |publisher=EMI Music |date=31 March 2009 |access-date=13 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100429144012/http://www.emimusic.com/about/reports/ |archive-date=29 April 2010 }}</ref>
| num_employees = 5,500 (2008)
| owner = {{Plain list|
* [[Terra Firma Capital Partners]] (2007–2011)
* [[Citigroup]] (2011 – 28 September 2012)
* [[Universal Music Group]] (since 28 September 2012) ([[EMI Group]])
* [[Sony Music Publishing]] (since 28 September 2012) ([[EMI Music Publishing]])
* [[Warner Music Group]] (since 7 February 2013) ([[EMI Records]] Ltd; renamed [[Parlophone|Parlophone Records Ltd.]])
}}
| subsid = {{Plain list|
* [[EMI Records]]
* [[Virgin Records]]
* [[Capitol Records]]
* [[Parlophone]]
}}
| homepage = {{Plain list|
* {{URL|universalmusic.com}}
* {{URL|parlophone.co.uk}}
* {{URL|sonymusicpub.com}}
}}
| footnotes = 
}}

'''EMI Group Limited''' (formerly '''EMI Group plc''' until 2007; originally an initialism for '''Electric and Musical Industries''', also referred to as '''EMI Records''' or simply '''EMI''') was a British [[Transnational corporation|transnational]] [[Conglomerate (company)|conglomerate]] founded in March 1931 in London. At the time of its acquisition by [[Universal Music Group|Universal Music]] in 2012, it was the fourth largest [[Corporate group|business group]] and [[record label]] conglomerate in the [[music industry]], and was one of the "Big Four" record companies (later the "[[Record label#Major labels|Big Three]]"). Its labels included [[EMI Records]], [[Parlophone]], [[Virgin Records]], and [[Capitol Records]], which are referenced under [[Universal Music Group|Universal Music]] due to their acquisition with the exception of Parlophone, since owned by [[Warner Music Group|Warner Music]].

EMI was listed on the [[London Stock Exchange]], and was also once a constituent of the [[FTSE 100 Index]], but faced financial problems and US$4&nbsp;billion in debt, leading to its acquisition by [[Citigroup]] in February 2011.<ref name=Citigroup>{{cite news |title=EMI faces uncertain fate after Citigroup takeover |newspaper=Mypaper|date=7 February 2011 |agency=Agence France-Presse |location=Singapore|page=A17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ipodnn.com/articles/11/02/02/plans.sale.possibily.splitting.up.emi/|title=Citigroup buys EMI|publisher=iPodNN|date=2 February 2011|access-date=16 November 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425155416/http://www.ipodnn.com/articles/11/02/02/plans.sale.possibily.splitting.up.emi/|archive-date=25 April 2012}}</ref> Citigroup's ownership was temporary, as EMI announced in November 2011 that it would sell its music arm to [[Vivendi]]'s [[Universal Music Group]] for $1.9&nbsp;billion and its publishing business to a [[Sony/ATV Music Publishing|Sony/ATV]] consortium for around $2.2&nbsp;billion. Other members of the Sony consortium include the estate of [[Michael Jackson]], the [[Blackstone Group]], and the [[Abu Dhabi]]–owned [[Mubadala Development Company]]. EMI's locations in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada were all disassembled to repay debt, but the primary head office located outside those countries is still functional.<ref>{{cite news |last=Atkinson|first=Claire|url=http://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/citi_set_to_sell_emi_for_to_universal_vPGGqLNKiNoFmsRMwslnEJ|title=Citi to sell EMI for $4.1B to Universal, Sony/ATV |work=[[New York Post]] |date=11 November 2011|access-date=16 November 2011}}</ref>

EMI Music Publishing is owned by [[Sony/ATV Music Publishing|Sony Music Publishing]], the music publishing division of [[Sony Music]] which bought another 70% stake in EMI Music Publishing 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=How Sony's $2.3 Billion EMI Buy Goes Beyond Beyoncé, Presley And Jackson |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/markbeech/2018/06/05/how-sonys-2-3-billion-emi-buy-goes-beyond-beyonce-elvis-and-jackson/#12c97c32b3d8|website=forbes.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Sony buys EMI Music Publishing in US$1.9b deal |url=https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/consumer/sony-buys-emi-music-publishing-in-us19b-deal-0 |work=The Business Times}}</ref>

== History ==
Electric and Musical Industries Ltd was formed in March 1931 by the merger of the [[Columbia Graphophone Company]] and the [[Gramophone Company]], with its "[[His Master's Voice (British record label)|His Master's Voice]]" record label, firms that have a history extending back to the origins of [[Sound recording and reproduction|recorded sound]]. The new vertically integrated company produced sound recordings as well as recording and playback equipment.

The company's gramophone manufacturing led to 40 years of success with larger-scale [[electronics]] and [[electrical engineering]].

In October 1979, EMI merged with [[Thorn Electrical Industries]] to create [[Thorn EMI]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/3670516/EMI-A-giant-at-war-with-itself.html|title=EMI: a giant at war with itself|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=18 January 2008}}</ref>

On 16 August 1996, Thorn EMI shareholders voted in favour of demerging Thorn from EMI again: the company became EMI Group plc, and the electronics and rentals divisions were divested as [[Thorn plc]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/vote-solid-for-thorn-demerger-1310081.html|title= Vote solid for Thorn demerger|newspaper=[[The Independent]]|date=17 August 1996|author-first1=Nigel|author-last1=Cope}}</ref>

The company broke up in 2012.

== Electronics research and development ==
===Television===
In 1934, an EMI research team led by Sir [[Isaac Shoenberg]] developed the electronic [[405-line television system|Marconi-EMI system]] for television broadcasting, which quickly replaced [[John Logie Baird|Baird's]] [[Mechanical television|electro-mechanical system]] following its introduction in 1936.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sir Isaac Shoenberg, British inventor|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Isaac-Shoenberg |access-date=22 July 2020 |work=Encyclopaedia Britannica|quote=principal inventor of the first high-definition television system}}</ref> After the [[Second World War]], EMI resumed its involvement in making broadcasting equipment, notably providing the [[BBC]]'s second television transmitter at Sutton Coldfield. It also manufactured broadcast television cameras for British television production companies as well as for the BBC. The commercial television [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] companies also used them alongside cameras made by [[Pye Ltd.|Pye]] and [[Marconi Company|Marconi]]. Their best-remembered piece of broadcast television equipment was the [[EMI 2001]] colour television camera, which became the mainstay of much of the British television industry from the end of the 1960s until the early 1990s. Exports of this piece of equipment were low, however, and EMI left this area of product manufacture.

=== Blumlein and radar ===
EMI engineer [[Alan Blumlein]] received a patent for the invention of [[stereophonic sound]] in 1931.<ref name="stereo">{{cite news |title=Early stereo recordings restored |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7537782.stm |quote=Blumlein lodged the patent for 'binaural sound', in 1931, in a paper which patented stereo records, stereo films and also surround sound. He and his colleagues then made a series of experimental recordings and films to demonstrate the technology, and see if there was any commercial interest from the fledgling film and audio industry. |publisher=[[BBC]] |access-date=7 August 2008 |date=1 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080807025132/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7537782.stm |archive-date=7 August 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> He was killed in 1942 whilst conducting flight trials on an experimental [[H2S radar]] set.

During and after [[World War II]], the [[EMI Laboratories]] in [[Hayes, Hillingdon]] developed [[radar]] equipment (including the receiver section of the British Army's GL-II anti-aircraft fire-control radar), microwave devices such as the [[klystron|reflex klystron]] oscillator (having played a crucial role in the development of early production types following on from the British Admiralty Signal School's pioneering NR89, the so-called "Sutton tube"), electro-optic devices such as infra-red image converters, and eventually [[missile|guided missiles]] employing analogue computers.

===Photomultipliers===
The company was also for many years an internationally respected manufacturer of [[photomultiplier]]s. This part of the business was transferred to Thorn as part of Thorn-EMI, then later became the independent concern Electron Tubes Ltd.

===Computers and CT scanner===
The EMI Electronic Business Machine, a [[Vacuum tube|valve]] and magnetic [[drum memory]] computer, was built in the 1950s to process the [[British Motor Corporation]] payroll.<ref name=computerconservationsociety-16>{{cite journal |url=http://www.computerconservationsociety.org/resurrection/res16.htm#f |journal=Resurrection |title=Early Computer Developments at EMI |last=Clayden |first=Ron |publisher=Computer Conservation Society |date=Christmas 1996 |issue=16 |issn=0958-7403 |access-date=28 July 2017}}</ref><ref name=thinkingmachine-2010/>

In 1958, the [[EMIDEC 1100]], the UK's first commercially available all-[[transistor]] computer, was developed at EMI's [[Central Research Laboratories]] in Hayes under the leadership of [[Godfrey Hounsfield]], an electrical engineer at EMI.<ref name=thinkingmachine-2010>{{cite report |url=http://thinkingmachine.org.uk/och1/CCS-M1X5.pdf |title=The EMIDEC 1100 computer : historical notes and references  |first=Simon |last=Lavington |publisher=thinkingmachine.org.uk |date=November 2010 |access-date=28 July 2017}}</ref>

In the early 1970s, with financial support by the UK [[Department of Health and Social Security]] as well as EMI research investment,<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Maizlin ZV, Vos PM |title=Do we really need to thank the Beatles for the financing of the development of the computed tomography scanner? |journal=Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography |volume=36 |issue=2 |pages=161–4 |year=2012 |pmid=22446352 |doi=10.1097/RCT.0b013e318249416f |s2cid=36121898 }}</ref> Hounsfield developed the first [[CT scan]]ner, a device which revolutionised [[medical imaging]]. In 1973, EMI was awarded a prestigious [[Queen's Awards for Enterprise|Queen's Award for Technological Innovation]] for what was then called the ''EMI scanner'';<ref>The Times, 20 April 1973, p19, "''The Queen's Award to Industry''"</ref> in 1979, Hounsfield won the [[Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine|Nobel Prize]] for his accomplishment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/1979/index.html|title=Nobelprize.org|publisher=Nobelprize.org|access-date=13 August 2010}}</ref>

After brief, but brilliant, success in the medical imaging field, EMI's manufacturing activities were sold off to other companies, notably Thorn (see [[Thorn EMI]]). Subsequently, development and manufacturing activities were sold off to other companies and work moved to other towns such as Crawley and Wells.

<gallery>
File:EMI CPS Emitron Camera Head, 1950 (7649950230).jpg|Emitron television camera
File:H2S Radar.jpg|H2S radar display set
File:Emi1010.jpg|First commercially available CT scanner made by EMI
File:9781a emi lielbritanija.jpg|EMI photomultiplier tubes
File:EMI portable reel-to-reel tape recorder.JPG|EMI tape recorder
</gallery>

===Emihus===
Emihus Electronics, based in [[Glenrothes]], Scotland, was owned 51% by [[Hughes Aircraft]], of California, US, and 49% by EMI. It manufactured [[integrated circuits]], electrolytic capacitors and, for a short period in the mid-1970s, hand-held [[calculators]] under the Gemini name.<ref>The Times, 15 February 1974, p30, "''American link expands range and techniques''"</ref>

== Music ==
Early in its life, the Gramophone Company established its subsidiary operations and branch offices in a number of many other countries inside and outside of the [[Commonwealth of Nations|British Commonwealth]], including [[Europe, the Middle East and Africa]] as well as in [[Canada]], [[Russia]], [[India]], [[China]], [[Japan]], [[Australia]] and [[New Zealand]]. Gramophone's (later EMI's) Australian and New Zealand subsidiaries dominated the popular music industries in those countries across the [[Asia-Pacific]] region from the 1920s until the 1960s, when other locally owned labels (such as [[Festival Records (Australia)|Festival Records]]) began to challenge the near monopoly of EMI. Over 150,000 78-rpm recordings from around the world are held in EMI's temperature-controlled archive in Hayes, some of which have been released on CD since 2008 by [[Honest Jon's Records]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boomkat.com/item.cfm?id=142280|title=Honest Jon|publisher=Boomkat.com|access-date=13 August 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Jon Dennis|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/audio/2008/jun/03/mark.ainley?gusrc=rss&feed=global|title=Mark Ainley on EMI's vintage recordings|work=The Guardian|location=London |date= 3 June 2008|access-date=13 August 2010}}</ref>

In 1931, the year the company was formed, it opened the legendary recording studios at [[London]]'s [[Abbey Road Studios|Abbey Road]].<ref name="MasseyH">{{cite book |last1=Massey |first1=Howard |title=The Great British Recording Studios |date=2015 |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |location=Lanham, Maryland, US |isbn=978-1-4584-2197-5 |page=15}}</ref> During the 1930s and 1940s, its roster of artists included [[Arturo Toscanini]], [[Sir Edward Elgar]], and [[Otto Klemperer]], among many others. During this time EMI appointed its first [[A&R]] managers. These included [[George Martin]], who later brought [[the Beatles]] into the EMI fold.

When the Gramophone Company merged with the [[Columbia Graphophone Company]] (including Columbia's subsidiary label [[Parlophone]]) in 1931, the new Anglo-American group was incorporated as Electric & Musical Industries Limited. At this point, the [[Radio Corporation of America]] had a majority shareholding in the new company due to RCA purchasing the [[Victor Talking Machine Company]] in 1929. Victor owned 50% of the British affiliated Gramophone Company, giving RCA chairman [[David Sarnoff]] a seat on the EMI board.

However, EMI was subsequently forced to sell Columbia USA due to anti-trust action taken by its American competitors. By this time the record industry had been hit hard by the Depression and in 1934 a much-diminished Columbia USA was purchased for just US$70,500 by ARC-BRC ([[American Record Corporation]]–Brunswick Record Company), which also acquired the [[OKeh]] label.

RCA sold its stake in EMI in 1935, but due to its 1929 takeover of Victor, RCA retained the [[Americas|North and South American]] rights to the "[[His Master's Voice]]" trademark.

In 1938, ARC-Brunswick was taken over by [[CBS]], which then sold the American Brunswick label to American [[Decca Records]], which along with its other properties, [[Vocalion Records]] and Aeolian Vocalion Records, used it as a subsidiary budget label afterward. CBS then operated Columbia as its flagship label in both the United States and Canada.

EMI retained the rights to the Columbia name in most other territories including the UK, Australia and New Zealand. It continued to operate the label with moderate success until 1973, when it was retired and replaced by the [[EMI Records]] imprint, making records with the Columbia Records label manufactured outside North America between 1972 and 1992 rare.

In 1990, following a series of major takeovers that saw CBS Records acquired by the [[Sony Corporation]] of Japan, EMI sold its remaining rights to the Columbia name to Sony and the label is now operated exclusively throughout the world by [[Sony Music]] Entertainment; the exception being Japan, where the trade mark is owned by [[Columbia Music Entertainment]].

EMI released its first [[LP record|LPs]] in 1952 and its first stereophonic recordings in 1955 (first on reel-to-reel tape and then LPs, beginning in 1958). In 1957, to replace the loss of its long-established licensing arrangements with [[RCA Victor Records|RCA Victor]] and [[Columbia Records]] (Columbia USA cut its ties with EMI in 1951), EMI entered the American market by acquiring 96% of the stock for [[Capitol Records]] USA.
[[File:Beatles ad 1965.JPG|thumb|right|160px|Trade ad of congratulations to the Beatles for their 1964 Grammys.]]
From 1960 to 1995, their "EMI House" corporate headquarters was located at 20 [[Manchester Square]] London, England, the stairwell from which was featured on the cover of the Beatles' ''[[Please Please Me]]'' album. In addition, an unused shot from the ''Please Please Me'' photo session, featuring the boys in short hair and cleancut attire, was used for the cover of the Beatles' first double-disc greatest-hits compilation entitled ''[[1962–1966]]'' (also known as "The Red Album"). In 1969, [[Angus McBean]] took a matching group photograph featuring the boys in long hair and beards to contrast with the earlier cleancut image to show that the boys could have appeal across a wide range of audiences. This photo was originally intended for the ''Get Back'' album which later was entitled ''[[Let It Be (album)|Let It Be]]''. The photo was used instead for the cover of the Beatles' second greatest-hits double-disc compilation entitled ''[[1967–1970]]''  (also known as "The Blue Album"). (The two compilations were released in 1973.)

EMI's classical artists of the period were largely limited to the prestigious British and European orchestras, such as the [[Philharmonia Orchestra]] and [[London Symphony Orchestra]] as well as the [[Choir of King's College, Cambridge]]. During the era of the long-playing record (LP), very few American and Canadian orchestras had their principal recording contracts with EMI, one notable exception being that of the [[Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra]], especially during the tenure of [[William Steinberg]].

From the late 1950s to the early 1970s, the company enjoyed huge success in the [[popular music]] field under the management of [[Sir Joseph Lockwood]]. The strong combination of EMI and its subsidiary labels (including [[Parlophone]], [[His Master's Voice (British record label)|His Master's Voice]], Columbia and [[Capitol Records]]) along with a roster of stellar groups such as [[the Hollies]], [[the Shadows]], [[the Beach Boys]] and [[the Beatles]]
along with hit solo performers such as [[Frank Sinatra]], [[Cliff Richard]], and [[Nat 'King' Cole]], made EMI the best-known and most successful recording company in the world at that time.

In 1967, while shifting their focus on pop and rock music roster to Columbia and Parlophone, EMI converted HMV solely to a [[European classical music|classical music]] label exclusively. For the emerging [[progressive rock]] genre including [[Pink Floyd]], who had debuted on Columbia, EMI established a new subsidiary label, [[Harvest Records]], two years later.

[[File:Museum RockArt, Queen grootste hits.JPG|thumb|Gold and silver discs issued by EMI in 1982 for [[Queen (band)|Queen]]'s ''[[Greatest Hits (Queen album)|Greatest Hits]]''.]]
In 1971, Electric & Musical Industries changed its name to EMI Ltd. and on 1 January 1973 EMI phased out most of its heritage labels and replacing them with the EMI imprint. On 1 July 1973 the Gramophone Company subsidiary (The Gramophone Co. Ltd.) was renamed EMI Records Ltd as well, and in 1978, EMI launched [[EMI America Records]] as its second label in the United States after Capitol. EMI Music Worldwide was also formed in 1978 with [[Bhaskar Menon]] as chairman and CEO. In February 1979, EMI Ltd acquired [[United Artists Records]] and with it their subsidiary labels [[Liberty Records]] and [[Imperial Records]]. Eight months later, [[Thorn Electrical Industries]] merged with EMI Ltd. to form [[Thorn EMI]].<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/3670516/EMI-A-giant-at-war-with-itself.html EMI: a giant at war with itself] ''The Daily Telegraph'' (London), 18 January 2008</ref>

Sometime in the late 1980s, EMI America merged with sister label [[Manhattan Records]], founded in 1984,<ref name="New Grove">{{cite book|last1=Kennedy|first1=Gary|editor1-last=Kernfeld|editor1-first=Barry|title=The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz|date=2002|publisher=Grove's Dictionaries Inc.|location=New York|isbn=1-56159-284-6|page=172|volume=2|edition=2nd}}</ref> becoming EMI Manhattan and eventually EMI USA when Capitol absorbed it in 1989.

Also in 1989, Thorn EMI bought a 50% interest in [[Chrysalis Records]], completing the buyout two years later. Six months after completing the buyout of Chrysalis, Thorn EMI bought [[Virgin Records]] from [[Richard Branson]] in one of its highest-profile and most expensive acquisitions in record music history. In 1992, Thorn EMI entered the Christian music market by acquiring [[Sparrow Records]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/thorn-emi-moves-into-gospel-music-with-us-purchase-1554773.html |title=Thorn EMI moves into gospel music with US purchase |work=The Independent |date=1 October 1992 |access-date=4 September 2018}}</ref>

===Aftermath of demerger from Thorn===
Due to the increasing divergence of business models, Thorn EMI shareholders voted in favour of demerger proposals on 16 August 1996. The resulting media company was now known as EMI Group PLC.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/vote-solid-for-thorn-demerger-1310081.html|title=Vote solid for Thorn demerger|date=17 August 1996|access-date=25 October 2017|author-first1=Nigel|author-last1=Cope}}</ref> In 1997, EMI Records USA was folded into both Virgin and Capitol.<ref>{{cite news |date=21 June 1997 |title=EMI shutting 2 New York-based record labels |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/21/business/emi-shutting-2-new-york-based-record-labels.html}}</ref>

Since the 1930s, the [[Pathé Records (China)|Pathé Records]] label headquartered in [[Shanghai]], China had been published under the EMI banner<ref name="Xinhuanet">Xinhuanet. "[http://news.xinhuanet.com/collection/2003-07/17/content_980098.htm Xinhuanet] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304030545/http://news.xinhuanet.com/collection/2003-07/17/content_980098.htm |date=4 March 2016 }}." ''Baak Doi and the Old Records.'' Retrieved 21 April 2007.</ref> and since then, EMI had also been the dominant label in the [[cantopop]] market throughout [[Greater China]] until the genre's decline in the mid-1980s. Between the years 2004–2006, EMI then completely and totally divested itself from the [[c-pop]] market, and after that, all Hong Kong music artists previously associated with EMI had their music published by [[Gold Label]], a concern unaffiliated with EMI and with which EMI did not yet hold any interest.

On 21 November 2000, [[Streamwaves]] and EMI signed a deal licensing EMI's catalogue in a digital format for their online streaming music service. This was the first time EMI had licensed any of its catalogue to a streaming music website.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rohde |first=Laura |title=EMI, Streamwaves to launch streaming music service |url=http://transcripts.cnn.com/2000/TECH/computing/11/21/emi.streamwaves.idg/index.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119180630/http://transcripts.cnn.com/2000/TECH/computing/11/21/emi.streamwaves.idg/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 January 2013 |access-date=3 June 2009 |publisher=CNN|date=20 November 2000 }}</ref>

Pop star [[Robbie Williams]] signed a six-album deal in 2002 paying him over £80&nbsp;million ($157&nbsp;million), which was not only the biggest recording contract in British music history at the time, but also the second biggest in music history<ref>{{cite news|first=Fiachra|last=Gibbons|title=Robbie Williams signs £80m deal|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2002/oct/03/arts.artsnews|work=The Guardian |location=London|date=3 October 2002|access-date=17 March 2008 }}</ref> behind that of Michael Jackson.

[[Apple Records]], the record label representing [[The Beatles]], launched a suit against EMI for non-payment of royalties on 15 December 2005. The suit alleged that EMI had withheld $50&nbsp;million from the record label; however, an EMI spokesman noted that audits of record label accounts are not that unusual, confirming at least two hundred such audits performed on the label, but that these audits rarely result in legal action.<ref>{{cite news|title=Apple Records launches royalties lawsuit against EMI...again |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/apple-records-launches-royalties-lawsuit-against-emi-again-1.544360 |publisher=CBC News |date=16 December 2005 |access-date=17 March 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070520184218/http://www.cbc.ca/arts/story/2005/12/16/beatles-emi-lawsuit.html |archive-date=20 May 2007 }}</ref> A legal settlement was announced on 12 April 2007 and terms were undisclosed.<ref>{{cite news|title=Beatles settle EMI royalties row|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6548035.stm|publisher=BBC News|date=12 April 2007|access-date=17 March 2008}}</ref>

On 2 April 2007, EMI announced it would be releasing its music in [[Digital rights management|DRM]]-free formats. These were to be issued in [[Advanced Audio Coding|AAC]] format, which gave higher quality for the same [[Bit rate|bitrate]] compared with the ubiquitous MP3 format. The music would be distributed via Apple's [[iTunes Store]] (under the iTunes Plus category).<ref>{{cite news|title=EMI Music launches DRM-free superior sound quality downloads across its entire digital repertoire|url=http://www.emigroup.com/Press/2007/press18.htm|publisher=EMI Group|date=2 April 2007|access-date=17 March 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302183415/http://www.emigroup.com/Press/2007/press18.htm|archive-date=2 March 2008}}</ref>

Tracks were to cost $1.29/€1.29/£0.99. Legacy tracks with [[FairPlay]] DRM would still be available for $0.99/€0.99/£0.79 – albeit with lower quality sound and DRM restrictions still in place. Users would be able to 'upgrade' the EMI tracks that they had already bought for $0.30/€0.30/£0.20. Albums were also to be available at the same price as their lower quality, DRM counterparts and music videos from EMI would also be DRM-free. The higher-quality, DRM-free files became available worldwide on iTunes on 30 May 2007, and were expected to appear on other music download services soon thereafter.

Following this decision, [[Universal Music Group]] also announced sales of DRM-free music (which was described as an experiment).<ref>{{cite web|last=Ogg|first=Erica|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10074001-1.html|title=Dell PCs get pre-loaded with UMG DRM-free music|website=CNET|date=23 October 2008|access-date=13 August 2010}}</ref>

In May 2006, EMI attempted to buy [[Warner Music Group]], which would have reduced the world's four largest record companies ([[Big four record labels|Big Four]]) to three; however, the bid was rejected.<ref>{{cite news|title=Warner Music throws out EMI bid|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4968814.stm|publisher=BBC News|date=3 May 2006|access-date=17 March 2008}}</ref> Warner Music Group launched a [[Pac-Man defense]], offering to buy EMI. EMI rejected the $4.6 billion offer.<ref>{{cite news |title= EMI rejects $4.6bn Warner offer |url= https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/emi-rejects-46bn-warner-offer-6096838.html |website= The Independent|location=London |access-date=3 October 2017}}</ref>

=== Terra Firma takeover ===
After a decline in the British market share from 16% to 9%, and the announcement that it had sustained a loss of £260&nbsp;million in 2006/2007,<ref name="bbc profile" /><ref name="bbc jobs">{{cite news|title=EMI set to cut up to 2,000 jobs|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7188898.stm|publisher=BBC News|date=15 January 2008|access-date=16 March 2008}}</ref> in August 2007 EMI was acquired by [[Terra Firma Capital Partners]]<ref name="bbc profile">{{cite news|title=Profile: British music giant EMI|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7188861.stm|publisher=BBC News|date=15 January 2008|access-date=16 March 2008}}</ref> for £4.2&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite news|author=Joshua R. Wueller|ssrn=2293412|title=Mergers of Majors: Applying the Failing Firm Doctrine in the Recorded Music Industry|work=7 Brook. J. Corp. Fin. & Com. L. 589, 598|year=2013}}</ref> Following the transition, several artists including [[Radiohead]] left EMI, while other artists such as [[Paul McCartney]] had left ahead of the takeover.<ref name="bbc profile" /> At the same time, [[the Rolling Stones]] signed a one-album deal with [[Interscope Records]]/[[Universal Music Group]] outside its contract with EMI, which expired in February 2008,<ref>{{cite news|title=Stones sign one-album record deal|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7193467.stm|publisher=BBC News|date=17 January 2008|access-date=17 March 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=David |last=Jenison |title=Stones Shine a Light on EMI's Woes |url=http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=91f13094-fbfc-4138-b6f5-7fc9dc2dbe9d&entry=index |publisher=E! |access-date=17 March 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080320075718/http://www.eonline.com/news/article/index.jsp?uuid=91f13094-fbfc-4138-b6f5-7fc9dc2dbe9d&entry=index |archive-date=20 March 2008 }}</ref> and then in July 2008 signed a new long-term deal with [[Universal Music Group]].<ref>{{cite news| url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7525887.stm|publisher=BBC News|title=Stones ditching EMI for Universal|date=25 July 2008|access-date=1 May 2010}}</ref> The Terra Firma takeover was also reported to have been the catalyst behind a [[lawsuit]] filed by [[Pink Floyd]] over unpaid royalties.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idiomag.com/peek/77585/pink_floyd|title=Pink Floyd sue EMI|access-date=26 April 2009|date=22 April 2009|publisher=[[idiomag]]}}</ref> In January 2011 Pink Floyd signed a new global agreement with EMI.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emimusic.com/news/2011/pink-floyd-and-emi-sign-new-global-agreement/ |title=Pink Floyd and EMI sign new global agreement |publisher=emimusic.com |access-date=4 January 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110108033928/http://www.emimusic.com/news/2011/pink-floyd-and-emi-sign-new-global-agreement/ |archive-date=8 January 2011 }}</ref>

Around the same time, [[Guy Hands]], CEO of Terra Firma Capital Partners, came to EMI with restructuring plans to cut between 1,500 and 2,000 jobs<ref name="bbc jobs" /> and to reduce costs by £200&nbsp;million a year. As a result, the UK chief executive [[Tony Wadsworth (music executive)|Tony Wadsworth]] left EMI after 25 years in January 2008. The cuts were planned to take effect over the year 2008, and would affect up to a third of EMI's 5,500 staff.<ref name="bbc jobs" /> [[Thirty Seconds to Mars]] tried to exit their contract with EMI following the layoff of its staff and due to unpaid royalties, prompting the label to file a lawsuit for $30&nbsp;million citing breach of contract.<ref name="kreps">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/virgin-emi-sue-30-seconds-to-mars-for-30-million-leto-fights-back-20080818|title=Virgin/EMI Sue 30 Seconds to Mars for $30 Million, Leto Fights Back|date=18 August 2008|first=Daniel|last=Kreps|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|access-date=29 July 2011}}</ref> The suit was later settled following a defence based on a contract case involving actress [[Olivia de Havilland]] decades before.<ref name="soars">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-nov-29-la-ca-30-seconds-to-mars29-2009nov29-story.html|title=30 Seconds to Mars soars|last=Brown|first=August|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=29 November 2009|access-date=29 July 2011}}</ref> [[Jared Leto]] explained, "The California Appeals Court ruled that no service contract in California is valid after seven years, and it became known as the [[De Havilland Law]] after she used it to get out of her contract with [[Warner Bros.]]"<ref name="soars"/> Many industry watchers viewed the suit as a punitive harassment meant to scare other musicians.<ref name="kreps"/> The band's troubles with the label resonate through their third studio album ''[[This Is War]]'' (2009) and were the subject of the 2012 documentary ''[[Artifact (film)|Artifact]]''.

In 2008, EMI withdrew from the South-East Asian market entirely, forcing its large roster of acts to search out contracts with other unaffiliated labels. As a result, the South-East Asian market was the only region in the world where EMI was not in operation, although the record label continued to operate in Hong Kong and Indonesia (which was named Arka Music Indonesia).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecmuwebsite.com/htmldaily/080909.html#01|title=Unlimited / Cmu Daily|publisher=Thecmuwebsite.com|access-date=16 November 2011}}</ref> The Chinese and Taiwanese operation of EMI as well as the Hong Kong branch of Gold Label, was sold to Typhoon Group and reformed as [[Gold Typhoon]]. The Philippine branch of EMI changed its name to [[PolyEast Records]], and was a joint venture between EMI itself and Pied Piper Records Corporation. The physical audio and video products of the label have been distributed in South-East Asia by [[Warner Music Group]] since December 2008, while new EMI releases in China and Taiwan, were distributed under Gold Typhoon which was previously known as EMI Music China and EMI Music Taiwan, respectively. Meanwhile, the Korean branch of EMI (known as EMI Korea Limited) had its physical releases distributed by Warner Music Korea. [[EMI Music Japan]], the Japanese EMI branch, remains unchanged from the reflection of [[Toshiba]]'s divestiture to the business by EMI buying the whole branch way back July 2007, making it a full subsidiary.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.toshiba.co.jp/about/press/2006_12/pr1402.htm|title=Press Releases 14 December 2006|publisher=Toshiba|access-date=16 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web   |title= emi minority shareholding in toshiba   |url= https://www.investegate.co.uk/emi-group-plc--emi-/rns/statement-re-toemi/200612140700038627N/   |website= investegate.co.uk   |access-date= 3 October 2017   |archive-date= 3 October 2017   |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171003125406/https://www.investegate.co.uk/emi-group-plc--emi-/rns/statement-re-toemi/200612140700038627N/   |url-status= dead   }}</ref>

In July 2009, there were reports that EMI would not sell CDs to [[Record shop|independent album retailers]] in a bid to cut costs,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zeropaid.com/news/86637/emi-quits-selling-cds-to-indie-record-stores/|title=EMI Quits Selling CDs to Indie Record Stores|publisher=Zeropaid.com|date=14 July 2009|access-date=13 August 2010|archive-date=23 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323054051/http://www.zeropaid.com/news/86637/emi-quits-selling-cds-to-indie-record-stores/|url-status=dead}}</ref> but in fact only a handful of small physical retailers were affected.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://starkmagazine.blogspot.com/2009/07/quick-moment-to-respond.html|title=Stark Online: A Quick Moment To Respond|publisher=Starkmagazine.blogspot.com|date=14 July 2009|access-date=13 August 2010}}</ref>

=== Citigroup ownership ===
In February 2010, EMI Group reported pre-tax losses of £1.75&nbsp;billion for the year ended March 2009, including [[Revaluation of fixed assets|write-downs]] on the value of its music catalogue.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100209004612/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5jFtZEAlVac1aJXdaP_5MAK7muiow EMI slumps to £1.75bn loss], Press Association, 4 February 2010</ref><ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/feb/04/emi-music-announces-massive-loss EMI crashes £1.75bn into the red], ''The Guardian'', 4 February 2010</ref>
In addition, [[KPMG]] issued a [[going concern]] warning on the holding company's accounts regarding an ability to remain solvent.<ref>[http://www.accountancyage.com/accountancyage/news/2257383/kpmg-issues-going-concern KPMG issues going concern warning for EMI], ''[[Accountancy Age]]'', 5 February 2010</ref>

Citigroup (which held $4&nbsp;billion in debt) took 100% ownership of EMI Group from [[Terra Firma Capital Partners]] on 1 February 2011, writing off £2.2&nbsp;billion of debt<ref>''[https://www.theguardian.com/media/2011/feb/01/guy-hands-emi-citigroup Citigroup wrestles EMI from Guy Hands' grasp]'', 1 February 2011</ref> and reducing EMI's debt load by 65%.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emimusic.com/news/2011/emi-announces-successful-capital-restructuring-and-change-of-ownership/ |title=EMI announces successful capital restructuring, and change of ownership |publisher=EMI Music |date=1 February 2011 |access-date=16 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811112611/http://www.emimusic.com/news/2011/emi-announces-successful-capital-restructuring-and-change-of-ownership/ |archive-date=11 August 2011 }}</ref> The group was put up for sale and final bids were due by 5 October 2011.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/record-labels/emi-auction-second-round-bids-are-in-questions-1005393412.story|title=EMI Auction: Second-Round Bids Are In, Questions Still Looming|magazine=Billboard|date=6 October 2011|access-date=16 November 2011|archive-date=9 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111109104611/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/record-labels/emi-auction-second-round-bids-are-in-questions-1005393412.story|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Sony/Universal/Warner sale ===
On 12 November 2011, it was announced that EMI would sell its recorded music operations to [[Universal Music Group]] (UMG) for £1.2&nbsp;billion ($1.9&nbsp;billion) and its music publishing operations to [[Sony/ATV Music Publishing]]-for $2.2&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-11-12/citigroup-sells-emi-in-parts-for-4-1-billion-to-vivendi-sony.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111112081355/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-11-12/citigroup-sells-emi-in-parts-for-4-1-billion-to-vivendi-sony.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 November 2011|title=Citigroup Sells EMI in Parts for $4.1 Billion to Vivendi, Sony|work=Bloomberg Businessweek|date=8 December 2009|access-date=16 November 2011}}</ref> Among the other companies that had competed for the recorded music business was [[Warner Music Group]] which was reported to have made a $2&nbsp;billion bid.<ref>[http://www.radio-info.com/news/warner-music-group-wants-emi Warner Music Group Wants Part Of EMI]  {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120706175309/http://www.radio-info.com/news/warner-music-group-wants-emi |date=6 July 2012 }} – ''[http://www.radio-info.com/ Radio-Info.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120103161747/http://www.radio-info.com/ |date=3 January 2012 }}'' (released 31 October 2011)</ref> However, [[IMPALA Independent Music Companies Association|IMPALA]] has said that it would fight the merger.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.impalamusic.org/docum/04-press/2011/PR%20-%2020111108.htm|title=color|work=impalamusic.org|access-date=1 January 2012|archive-date=25 April 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425112050/http://www.impalamusic.org/docum/04-press/2011/PR%20-%2020111108.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> In March 2012, the European Union opened an investigation into Universal's purchase of EMI's recorded music division<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-emi-universal-eu-idUSBRE82M0ZL20120323|title=EU opens investigation into Universal, EMI deal|work=Reuters|date=23 March 2012}}</ref> and had asked rivals and consumer groups whether the deal will result in higher prices and shut out competitors.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2012/mar/24/universal-emi-antitrust |title=Regulators probe Universal's EMI bid|work=The Guardian|location=London |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325191748/http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/mar/24/universal-emi-antitrust |archive-date=25 March 2012 }}</ref>

On 21 September 2012, the sale of EMI to UMG was approved in both Europe and the United States by the [[European Commission]] and the [[Federal Trade Commission]] respectively. The European Commission approved the deal, however, under the condition that the merged company divest itself of one third of its total operations to other companies with a proven track record in the music industry. To comply with this condition, UMG divested [[V2 Records]], [[Parlophone Records]], [[Sanctuary Records]], [[Chrysalis Records]], [[Mute Records]], [[EMI Classics]], [[Virgin Classics]], the 2CD Originals Series and EMI's [[EMI's European regional labels|regional labels in most of Europe]]. These labels were operated separately under the name "Parlophone Label Group", pending their sale. Universal would, however, retain its ownership of the Beatles' library (moved to the newly formed [[Calderstone Productions]]) and [[Robbie Williams]]' Chrysalis recordings (moved to the [[Island Records]] label).<ref name="guardian-emiapproved">{{cite news|title=Universal's £1.2bn EMI takeover approved – with conditions|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2012/sep/21/universal-emi-takeover-approved|work=The Guardian|location=London|access-date=21 September 2012|first=Mark|last=Sweney|date=21 September 2012}}</ref>

Universal Music Group completed its acquisition of EMI on 28 September 2012,<ref name="mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com">{{cite web|url=http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/28/universal-closes-on-emi-deal-becoming-by-far-biggest-of-remaining-big-three/|title=Universal Closes on EMI Deal, Becoming, by Far, Biggest of Remaining Big Three|first=Ben|last=Sisario|date=28 September 2012|access-date=25 October 2017}}</ref> followed by worldwide compliance and complete rebranding by 1 April 2013.<ref name="mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2013/05/02/music/universal-emi-is-the-dinosaur-in-the-room/|title=Universal-EMI is the dinosaur in the room|work=The Japan Times|date=2 May 2013}}</ref> In compliance with the conditions of the European Commission, on 22 December, Universal Music Group sold the Mute catalogue, previously property of EMI, to German-based music rights company [[BMG Rights Management|BMG]].<ref>{{cite magazine |magazine=[[Music Week]] |title=BMG buys Mute catalogue from Universal |url=http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/bmg-buys-mute-catalogue-from-universal/052989 |date=21 December 2012 |first=Tim |last=Ingham |access-date=22 December 2012}}</ref> On 8 February 2013, [[Warner Music Group]] signed an agreement to acquire [[Parlophone]], [[Chrysalis Records]], [[EMI Classics]], [[Virgin Classics]], the 2CD Originals Series and some of EMI's [[EMI's European regional labels|regional labels across Europe]] for US$765&nbsp;million (£487&nbsp;million).<ref>{{cite news |title=Warner Music Group Buys EMI Assets for $765 Million|url=http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/07/warner-music-group-buys-emi-assets-for-765-million/ |date=8 February 2013 |work=The New York Times|access-date=8 February 2013 |first=Ben |last=Sisario}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gramophone.co.uk/classical-music-news/warner-to-buy-the-parlophone-label-group |title=Warner to buy the Parlophone Label Group |work=Gramophone |date=7 February 2013 |access-date=1 March 2013}}</ref> Regulatory approval was received on 15 May.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sisario|first=Ben|title=Warner Music Gains Approval to Buy Parlophone, a Last Piece of EMI|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/16/business/media/warner-music-gains-approval-to-buy-parlophone-a-last-piece-of-emi.html|newspaper=The New York Times|date=15 May 2013}}</ref> Universal retained EMI's former European labels in Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, and Finland.

Universal Music has continued to operate EMI entities it retained using the EMI name and formed [[Virgin EMI Records]] as a UMG label unit in the UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emimusic.com/blog/2013/universal-music-uk-launches-virgin-emi-records-2/ |title=EMI Music &#124; Universal Music UK launches Virgin EMI Records |access-date=4 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430133917/http://www.emimusic.com/blog/2013/universal-music-uk-launches-virgin-emi-records-2/ |archive-date=30 April 2013 }}</ref> The former EMI Records Ltd. was renamed Parlophone Records Ltd. in 2013,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/label/563997-Parlophone-Records-Ltd|title=Parlophone Records Ltd.|publisher=Discogs|access-date=25 October 2017}}</ref> when [[Warner Music Group]] acquired Parlophone Music Group which has the rights to the old EMI Records catalogue.

The Australian and New Zealand EMI Columbia catalogues, including recordings by [[John Farnham]], who went by Johnny during his time with the label, were ceded to [[Universal Music Australia]]'s imprint [[EMI Music Australia|EMI Recorded Music]] and [[Universal Music New Zealand]] respectively.<ref>{{cite news |title=Universal Absorbs EMI And Then There Were Three |url=http://www.noise11.com/news/universal-absorbs-emi-and-then-there-were-three-20130131 |date=31 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Universal's EMI Deal Approved By New Zealand Regulators |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/universals-emi-deal-approved-by-new-zealand-regulators-1092960/ |magazine=Billboard |date=21 June 2012}}</ref>

Warner Music incorporated EMI Classics and Virgin Classics into its [[Warner Classics]] unit with the EMI Classics artist roster and catalogue absorbed into the Warner Classics label and the Virgin Classics artist roster and catalogue absorbed into the revived [[Erato Records]] label.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.classicfm.com/music-news/latest-news/emi-classics-and-virgin-classics-join-warners/|title=EMI Classics and Virgin Classics to join Warners|date=19 July 2013|work=Classic FM}}</ref>

On 14 November 2013, EMI's Middle Eastern branch was folded into Universal Music, causing the distribution of [[Warner Music Group]]'s releases in that region to be moved to Universal Music.<ref>[https://twitter.com/EMIMusicArabia/status/400857423516561408 EMI Music Arabia] 14 November 2013. Retrieved 1 December 2013.</ref>

On 30 June 2014, Universal Music Group re-established EMI's Taiwanese division, with [[A-Mei]], [[Rainie Yang]] and [[Show Lo]] signing first to the label.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.universalmusic.com/corporate/detail/2765|title=Universal Music Group|access-date=25 October 2017}}</ref>

In May 2016, an independent company, [[Blue Raincoat Music]], bought most of Chrysalis's British catalogue from Warner Music,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/now-warner-sells-records-by-athlete-steve-harley-and-more-to-chrysalis/|title=Now Warner sells records by Athlete, Steve Harley and more to Chrysalis|work=Music Business Worldwide|date=7 July 2016}}</ref> making Chrysalis an independent label again. However, the remainder of Chrysalis's British catalogue, namely other past artists [[Spandau Ballet]], [[Jethro Tull (band)|Jethro Tull]], the [[Ramones]] and [[The Proclaimers]], stayed with Parlophone in the UK and (excluding Ramones) [[Rhino Entertainment]] in the United States. The Ramones American back catalogue remained with Island's sister label [[Geffen Records]], the successor of [[MCA Records]], which previously distributed the band's releases on [[Radioactive Records]], and is licensed to [[Universal Music Enterprises]]. Additionally, the majority of Chrysalis's American catalogue also remained with [[Capitol Music Group]], parent of Island's and Geffen's sister label Capitol Records, and is currently distributed by that label. [[Debbie Harry]]'s only Chrysalis album with an American release, ''[[KooKoo]]'', was later divested by Capitol. The European Chrysalis catalogue, including Harry's four albums, plus the rights to ten artists not originally signed to the label are owned and distributed by Blue Raincoat.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/two-months-after-warner-sale-chrysalis-partners-with-kobalt/|title=Two months after Warner sale, Chrysalis signs with Kobalt Label Services|work=Music Business Worldwide|date=3 August 2016}}</ref>

The number of initial non-Chrysalis artists was later increased to 11 after adding former EMI artists [[Naked Eyes]]. [[Belinda Carlisle]]'s only Chrysalis album, ''[[A Woman & a Man]]'', had its distribution and rights outside the US reverted to CMG's Virgin Records, Carlisle's former label which was the second in her career.

Also in May 2016, the history of the record label was examined in the hour-long BBC documentary ''EMI: The Inside Story''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07c6fj7|title=EMI: The Inside Story – BBC Four|publisher=BBC|access-date=25 October 2017}}</ref>

On 16 June 2020, Universal rebranded Virgin EMI as EMI Records, reopening the iconic label, and named Rebecca Allen, former president of Decca Records, as the new EMI's president. UMG has continued to operate Virgin as an imprint of EMI.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.musicweek.com/labels/read/virgin-emi-rebrands-as-emi-rebecca-allen-appointed-as-label-president/080102|title=Virgin EMI rebrands as EMI, Rebecca Allen appointed as label president|author=Mark Sutherland|date=16 June 2020|website=Music Week}}</ref>

==Operations==
===Entertainment and leisure===
In 1964, EMI acquired [[Blackpool Tower]] from the Bickerstaffe family.<ref name="BT41-50">{{cite web |title=Blackpool Tower Heritage Trail (41–50) |publisher=Blackpool Tower |url=http://www.theblackpooltower.co.uk/facts.htm |access-date=1 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928220435/http://www.theblackpooltower.co.uk/facts.htm |archive-date=28 September 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In 1967, they also took over the [[Winter Gardens, Blackpool|Winter Gardens complex in Blackpool]].<ref name="gazette061209"/>

In 1967, EMI acquired the Grade Organisation, the UK's largest showbusiness talent agency, for £7.5 million.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=22 March 1967|page=1|title=EMI Buys Grade; Huge Talent Pool In $21-Mil Deal}}</ref> This also included the recently acquired Shipman and King chain of 32 cinemas in the [[Home Counties]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Times]]|date=21 March 1967|page=15|title=E.M.I. discloses £7½m. bid for Grade Org}}</ref>

==== Film, theatre and television ====
{{further|EMI Films|ABC Cinemas|Elstree Studios|Thames Television}}
EMI Films was created in 1969 following the acquisition of [[Associated British Picture Corporation]] (ABPC). At the time ABPC owned 270 [[ABC Cinemas]]; a half share (under the [[Associated British Corporation]] name) in the [[ITV (TV channel)|ITV]] contractor [[Thames Television]]; [[Elstree Studios (Shenley Road)|Elstree Studios]] at Shenley Road, and had recently bought [[Anglo-Amalgamated]], a film studio.<ref name=74ar/> [[Bernard Delfont]] of the Grade Organisation became chairman and Chief Executive.<ref name=kine>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Kine Weekly]]|date=13 February 1971|pages=3–6|title=The Derek Todd Interview|edition=Supplement to Kinematograph Weekly}}</ref> In 1970, Delfont sold his own Bernard Delfont Organisation to EMI and the agencies were divested.<ref name=kine/><ref name=BDO>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=10 June 1970|page=3|title=EMI Buys Bernard Delfont Org From Impressario For $192,000 in Its Stock}}</ref> He later became Chief Executive of EMI in 1979.

Their flagship cinema was the [[ABC1 Shaftesbury Avenue|ABC 1 and 2 Shaftesbury Avenue]] which was built at the old Saville Theatre in London.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Kine Weekly]]|date=13 February 1971|page=14|title=EMI Looks to the Future With Film Centre Projects|edition=Supplement to Kinematograph Weekly}}</ref>

In 1974, the Film & Theatre Corporation was split into EMI Cinemas and EMI Leisure Enterprises.<ref name=74ar/> On formation, EMI Cinemas ran 272 cinemas in the UK, including those of ABC.<ref name=74ar/>

Following EMI's merger with [[Thorn Electrical Industries]] in 1979, EMI's film division was renamed Thorn EMI Screen Entertainment. In April 1986, Thorn EMI sold its film production and distribution arm (Thorn EMI Screen Entertainment), home video ([[Thorn EMI#Thorn EMI's film and video interests|Thorn EMI Video]]), and cinema (ABC Cinemas) operations to businessman [[Alan Bond (businessman)|Alan Bond]]. Bond, in turn, sold it to [[The Cannon Group, Inc.|The Cannon Group]] a week later.<ref name="terramedia.co.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.terramedia.co.uk/media/film/vertical_integration.htm|title=Vertical integration|website=Terramedia|access-date=21 February 2018}}</ref>

====EMI Leisure====
EMI Leisure Enterprises was formed in April 1974 and controlled Blackpool Tower; EMI's 16 squash clubs and five bowling alleys; discotheques; 23 licensed premises and other amusement interests. It began developing new leisure businesses, including [[Brighton Marina]] and golf activities with the opening of [[Aldenham]] Golf Club.<ref name=74ar>[http://www.kronemyer.com/EMI/EMI%20Music%20AR%201974.pdf EMI Annual Report 1974] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205081830/http://www.kronemyer.com/EMI/EMI%20Music%20AR%201974.pdf |date=5 February 2016 }}, p.32. Accessed: 4 February 2016.</ref> In April 1977 they acquired the [[Empire (cinema)|Empire Ballroom and Cinema]] in [[Leicester Square]] in London and in September 1977 acquired Bailey Leisure Services Limited which they renamed EMI Dancing which provided the group with dance halls, cabaret clubs and discotheques around the UK.<ref name=78ar/> By the late 1970s, the leisure business contributed 15% of group revenues.<ref name=78ar>[http://www.kronemyer.com/EMI/EMI%20Music%20AR%201978.pdf EMI Annual Report 1978] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205062407/http://www.kronemyer.com/EMI/EMI%20Music%20AR%201978.pdf |date=5 February 2016 }}, Accessed: 4 February 2016.</ref> In 1978, EMI acquired the [[Prince Edward Theatre]].<ref name=78ar/> It also owned two other theatres in London as well as theatres in the rest of the UK.<ref name=THF/>

Following the merger with Thorn, part of EMI's leisure interests were sold to [[Trust House Forte]] in November 1980 for £16 million.<ref name=THF>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Times]]|date=1 November 1980|title=THF buys £16m Thorn EMI leisure interests|page=17}}</ref> Lord Delfont became chairman and chief executive of THF's leisure division.<ref name=THF/> EMI Social Centres chain of bingo halls remained with Thorn EMI.<ref name=THF/>

The Winter Gardens in Blackpool were sold in 1983 to [[First Leisure Corporation|First Leisure]].<ref name="gazette061209">{{cite news|url=http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/Register.aspx?ReturnURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blackpoolgazette.co.uk%2Fdaily-feature%2FCrown-jewels-of-resort.5880756.jp|title=Crown jewels of resort|date=3 December 2009|newspaper=[[Blackpool Gazette]]|access-date=6 December 2009}}</ref>

====Hotels and restaurants====
In 1972, EMI Hotels won a bidding war against [[Ralston Purina]] to buy the Golden Egg group from the Kaye brothers for £14 million, which included a stake in [[Angus Steakhouse]] restaurants<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Economist Intelligence Unit |title=Catering |journal=Retail Business |date=February 1973 |issue=180 |page=19}}</ref> and the Selfridge Hotel, which opened in July 1973.<ref name=74ar/>

In June 1977, EMI acquired the [[Tower Hotel, London]].<ref name=78ar/> At the end of 1978, they owned four other hotels: [[Royal Horseguards Hotel]]; Royal Angus; Royal Trafalgar; and Royal Westminster.<ref name=78ar/>

As well as Angus Steakhouse, their restaurants also included [[Wimpy (restaurant)|Wimpy Bars]], Picnic Basket and Tennessee Pancake Houses.<ref name=78ar/>

Following the merger with Thorn, seven hotels and 12 Angus Steakhouse restaurants were sold in July 1980 for £23 million to [[Scottish & Newcastle|Scottish & Newcastle Breweries]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Times]]|date=31 July 1980|title=Brewery buys Thorn EMI hotels|page=17|last=Gunn|first=Catherine}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|newspaper=[[The Times]]|date=16 August 1980|title=Thorn to sell Tricity|page=17}}</ref><ref name=THF/><ref>{{cite journal |title=Hannah takes Thistle Hotels to the country |journal=Caterer & Hotelkeeper |date=30 January 1986 |volume=177 |issue=3405 |page=81}}</ref>

===EMI Music===

====Labels under the EMI banner====
{{further|List of EMI labels}}

====Past and present EMI musicians====
{{Main|List of EMI artists}}

===EMI Music Publishing===
{{Main|EMI Music Publishing}}
As well as the well-known record label the group also owned EMI Music Publishing, which was the largest [[Music publisher (popular music)|music publisher]] in the world. EMI Music Publishing has{{when|date=October 2024}} won the ''[[Music Week]]'' Award for Publisher of the Year every year for over 10 years; in 2009, for the first time in history the award was shared jointly with [[Universal Music Publishing Group|Universal Music Publishing]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Williams|first=Paul|url=http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=2&storycode=1037577|title=Too close to call in publishing battle|magazine=[[Music Week]]|date=18 April 2009|access-date=13 August 2010|archive-date=17 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117182721/http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=2&storycode=1037577|url-status=dead}}</ref> As is often{{citation needed|date=October 2024}} the case in the music industry, the publishing arm and record label are very separate businesses.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

EMI administered the publishing rights of over 1.3&nbsp;million songs, headlined by [[Queen (band)|Queen]], [[Carole King]], [[The Police]], the [[Motown]] catalog, [[Kanye West]], [[Alicia Keys]], [[Drake (musician)|Drake]], [[Sia]], [[Pink (singer)|P!nk]], [[Pharrell Williams]], and [[Calvin Harris]].

EMI's music publishing operations were sold to a consortium led by [[Sony/ATV Music Publishing]] in 2012; [[BMG Rights Management|BMG]] acquired the music publishing libraries of [[Virgin Music]] (which EMI held) and [[Famous Music]] UK (which Sony/ATV held).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/bmg-buys-virgin-famous-music-406080 |title=BMG Buys Virgin, Famous Music Catalog From Sony/ATV |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=21 December 2012 |access-date=1 March 2013 |first=Scott |last=Roxborough}}</ref>

==Criticism==

=== CD price fixing ===
{{main|CD price fixing}}
Between 1995 and 2000, music companies were found to have used illegal marketing agreements such as [[resale price maintenance|minimum advertised pricing]] to artificially inflate prices of [[compact disc]]s in order to end price wars by discounters such as [[Best Buy]] and [[Target Corporation|Target]] in the early 1990s.<ref name="nyt">{{cite news|author=Stephen Labaton |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/05/11/business/5-music-companies-settle-federal-case-on-cd-price-fixing.html |title=5 Music Companies Settle Federal Case on CD Price-Fixing  |work=The New York Times |date=11 May 2000 |access-date=26 April 2016}}</ref>

A settlement in 2002 included the music publishers and distributors; [[Sony Music]], [[Warner Music Group|Warner Music]], [[Bertelsmann Music Group]], EMI and [[Universal Music Group|Universal Music]]. In restitution for [[price fixing]], they agreed to pay a $67.4&nbsp;million fine and distribute $75.7&nbsp;million in [[Compact disc|CDs]] to public and non-profit groups; however, they admitted no wrongdoing.<ref name="usatoday">{{cite news |author=David Lieberman |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2002-09-30-cd-settlement_x.htm |title=5 Music Companies Settle Federal Case on CD Price-Fixing  |work=USA Today |date=30 September 2002 |access-date=26 April 2016}}</ref> It is estimated customers were overcharged by nearly $500&nbsp;million and up to $5 per album.<ref name="nyt"/>

On [[Internet Freedom Day]] in January 2013, EMI evoked controversy after the removal of Martin Luther King Jr's "[[I Have a Dream]]" speech from [[Vimeo]] due to a copyright violation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 January 2013 |title=MLK's 'I Have a Dream' speech censored on Internet Freedom Day |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/web/martin-luther-king-i-have-a-dream-censorship-internet-freedom-day/ |access-date=27 March 2022 |website=Digital Trends}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Companies}}
* [[Pathé Records (Hong Kong)|Pathé Records]] (Baak Doi)
* [[EMI Archive Trust]]
* [[EMI Christian Music Group]] (EMI CMG)
* [[EMI Films]]
* [[EMI Songbook Series]]
* [[EMI Televisa Music]]/Capitol Latin
* [[Jim Fifield]]
* [[HMV|HMV Group]]
** [[Waterstones|Waterstone's]]
* [[Picture Music International]]
* [[List of EMI artists]]
* [[List of EMI labels]]
* [[Lists of record labels]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Further reading ==
* ''International Directory of Company Histories'', St. James Press.
* Joshua R. Wueller, [https://ssrn.com/abstract=2293412 ''Mergers of Majors: Applying the Failing Firm Doctrine in the Recorded Music Industry''], 7 Brook. J. Corp. Fin. & Com. L. 589, 597–604 (2013) (describing Terra Firma's purchase of EMI, Citigroup's seizure of the company, and the subsequent break-up, sale, and antitrust scrutiny surrounding the music company).
* Peter Martland, ''Since Records Began: EMI, the first hundred years.'' Batsford (London) 1997. 359pp. {{ISBN|0-7134-6207-8}}

== External links ==
* {{Official website|http://www.universalmusic.com/}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120506221209/http://www.theinsoundfromwayout.com/ Official website (Australia)]
* [http://www.emiarchivetrust.org/ EMI Archive]
* {{MusicBrainz label|mbid=a8f3eb19-05db-4895-b1d2-7ec911022a5e|name=EMI Group}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120510121837/http://emimusicpub.com/ EMI Music Publishing]
* [http://www.emisessions.com/ EMI Sessions]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110521221320/http://www.emimusic.com/about/history/ History of EMI]
* [http://www.middx.net/photopost/g779-employers-2c-businesses-and-industry.html Pages of pictures of the EMI/HMV websites in Hayes Middlesex]
* {{PM20|FID=co/007573|TEXT=Documents and clippings about|NAME=}}

{{FT 30 constituents}}
{{The Beatles|state=collapsed}}
{{Authority control}}

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