Sony Music Entertainment

Sony Music Entertainment is the new name for what was, until 2008, Sony BMG. The group was created in 2004 from the merger of the US-based music arm of Sony Corporation with Bertelsmann's BMG Music Entertainment. The two parent groups became joint shareholders in the enlarged business, which is the world's second largest music group (after Universal), with a huge portfolio of artists and labels worldwide. Despite fears that the merger proposal might be rejected by European regulators, the deal was approved without conditions in 2004. In an astonishing turnaround, a European court overturned that ruling two years later, leading to the possibility that the two companies could be forced to separate once more. In October 2007, however, the merger was approved without condition for a second time. The following year, Bertelsmann began negotiations to sell its half share in the business to Sony, and a deal was agreed that summer. After completion the company will rebrand as Sony Music Entertainment. Advertising Age estimated global measured advertising expenditure of $321m in 2006, making Sony BMG the world's #86 advertiser. Click here to find out more; or subscribe to Adbrands.net here. Adbrands Company Profiles provide a detailed analysis of the history and current operations of leading advertisers, agencies and brands worldwide, and include a critical summary which identifies key strengths and weaknesses. Adbrands Account Assignments tracks account management for the world's leading brands and companies, including details of which advertising agency handles which accounts in which countries for major markets.

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Sony BMG Music Entertainment website

Arista	Epic Records
Columbia Records	Jive
J Records	Sony Classical
Sony Disc Manufacturing	LaFace
RCA Records	RLG Nashville
Sony Music International	Sony Music Nashville

Sony Corporation / Bertelsmann

BMG UK	BMG Japan
Sony Music International	BMG Ricordi

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