There are four major record labels in the UK: Sony BMG, Universal Music Group, EMI, and Warner Music Group. Sony BMG was formerly jointly owned but Sony now has full control and represents artists like Beyonce, Elvis, and Michael Jackson. Universal Music Group is the largest and owns Universal Music Publishing Group, representing Kanye West, Stevie Wonder, and Fall Out Boy. EMI holds the world's largest music publisher award for 10 years and artists like Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, and Coldplay. Warner Music Group also has a music publishing arm and artists including Aretha Franklin, Guns N' Roses, and The Prodigy.

1. Record Labels There are four major record labels which operate in the UK; Sony BMG, Universal Music Group, EMI and Warner Music Group. Sony BMG - This record label used to be 50/50 owned with Sony Music Entertainment and Bertelsmann Music Group in 2004. - In 2008, Sony agreed to buy Bertelsmann’s 50% stake so that Sony would gain full control - Many mainstream artists belong to this record label including; Beyonce, Elvis, Michael Jackson, The Strokes and many many more. Universal Music Group - Universal Music Group is the largest business group of record labels. - Universal Music Group owns the Universal Music Publishing Group, which was the world’s largest in 2007. - This record label also holds a lot of mainstream artists such as; Kanye West, Stevie Wonder, Fall Out Boy and Bon Jovi. EMI - EMI is the fourth largest of the “big four” record labels. - EMI now holds the world’s largest music publisher, receiving an award for in 10 years running; the award was shared jointly with Universal Music Publishing, in 2009. -Artists include; Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Coldplay and Radiohead, along with hundreds of others. Warner Music Group -This is the third largest of the four. -Warner Music Group also has a music publishing arm called Warner/Chappell Music, which is currently one of the world's largest music-publishing companies. - Artists include; Aretha Franklin, Guns N’ Roses, The Prodigy, and many more. 152209522796530346652895604582160360045-209550325120