Universal merge Virgin and Mercury, announce UK launch of Capitol Records

Universal Music have announced that it’ll merge their offshoot labels Virgin and Mercury into Virgin EMI Records, while launching the UK wing of Capitol Records later this year.

Universal have previously spoken about their intent to launch Capitol in the UK, but have now confirmed that full details of the move will emerge in April.

The merger of Mercury with Virgin follows the major label’s acquisition of the latter brand late last year.

Universal Music’s UK CEO, David Joseph told CMU of the decision:

“Virgin EMI will be a creative powerhouse for the UK music industry. It has an exceptionally strong A&R line-up, with sensational domestic and international artists, combined with the ethos which has served the company so well over the past 40 years”.