When was EMI founded and what does EMI stand for?
EMI was founded in March 1931 in London. The name stood for Electric and Musical Industries, formed by the merger of the Columbia Graphophone Company and the Gramophone Company.
Questions about EMI
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who sold EMI and to whom was it sold in 2012?
EMI's recorded music operations were sold to Universal Music Group for £1.2 billion ($1.9 billion), and its publishing operations were sold to a Sony/ATV-led consortium for around $2.2 billion. Universal completed its acquisition on the 28th of September 2012.
What technology did EMI invent besides music recording?
EMI invented or developed the CT scanner, the UK's first all-transistor computer (the EMIDEC 1100, in 1958), the Marconi-EMI television broadcasting system (1934), stereophonic sound (patented by engineer Alan Blumlein in 1931), and radar equipment during the Second World War.
Why did EMI collapse and accumulate so much debt?
EMI accumulated around $4 billion in debt during the ownership of Terra Firma Capital Partners, which acquired the company for £4.2 billion in August 2007 after EMI reported a £260 million loss and a drop in British market share from 16% to 9%. Citigroup, which held the debt, took 100% ownership in February 2011 and then sold the company.
What famous labels were part of EMI?
EMI's labels included Parlophone, Capitol Records, Virgin Records, EMI Records, HMV, Columbia (outside North America), and Harvest Records, among others. Parlophone was ultimately acquired by Warner Music Group after EMI's breakup.
What was the Robbie Williams EMI contract worth?
Robbie Williams signed a six-album deal with EMI in 2002 worth over £80 million ($157 million). It was the largest recording contract in British music history at the time and the second largest in global music history behind Michael Jackson's deal.