UMG/EMI Aftermath: BMG Acquires Mute Records Calatog

Now Part Of BMG

BMG has acquired the catalogue of MUTE RECORDS from UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP, subject to regulatory approval by the EUROPEAN COMMISSION. This is the first deal UMG has consummated in its efforts to divest itself of assets ordered by the EUROPEAN COMMISSION following its acquisition of EMI RECORDS.

MUTE RECORDS catalog includes recordings by the likes of DEPECHE MODE, YAZOO, NICK CAVE and MOBY. "We are delighted to become the new custodians of the MUTE RECORDS catalogue, one of the most prized and influential in electronic and alternative music and a testament to the vision and A&R skills of DANIEL MILLER," BMG CEO HARTWIG MASUCH said. "BMG looks forward to working with all the artists concerned to give these copyrights the care and attention they deserve."

The MUTE RECORDS catalogue is BMG’s most significant acquisition yet of master recordings as it pursues its policy of bringing together the traditionally separate disciplines of music publishing and masters. "Earlier this year we said we would double our income from master recordings this year," MASUCH noted. "I am glad to say we have more than exceeded this target. Creating a balanced portfolio of publishing and master rights remains central to our vision of creating a new digital-age music company."

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