EMI Music UK and Ireland is part of the EMI Group PLC, the largest independent music company and the oldest record company in the world, dating back to 1897. EMI Music UK and Ireland is the regional headquarters and consists of Angel Music Group, EMI Records, Parlophone (both under Capitol Music) and Virgin Records ñ one catalogue division and numerous imprints and associated labels. These include the world famous EMI Classics, Blue Note jazz label, Charisma, Heavenly Records, Relentless and dance label Positiva. Virgin Records was originally acquired from Richard Branson in 1992 by EMI Records and became fully integrated into the UK company in 2002.

Each label maintains an individual musical and creative strategy and ensures that EMI represents many of the best-known recording artists in the world.

The company revenue comes from two principal sources: the sale of recorded music in the physical and digital domain, and the licensing of its repertoire to EMI affiliates worldwide. The latter forms the vast majority of its overseas earnings from 50 countries worldwide.

EMI Music in Britain continues to operate as a creative powerhouse in "The World's Greatest Music Company." From signing the Beatles in 1962 and a then unknown group "offering some promise" - The Sex Pistols - in 1976, to Robbie Williams in 1996, Coldplay in 1999, and more recent successes KT Tunstall, Lily Allen, The Kooks, The Magic Numbers and Jamie T, EMI Music continues to break new artists, ensuring it has the best catalogue in years to come. Additional artists on the EMI roster include the Rolling Stones, Kylie Minogue, Paul McCartney, The Chemical Brothers, Kate Bush and Gorillaz, among many others.