Record Label

BMG

Global music conglomerate, originally known as Bertelsmann Music Group. The parent is now BMG Rights Management GmbH trading as BMG Rights Management. How to use this profile: The BMG brand has been used for different roles throughout its history. For releases with a label logo such as RCA, Arista, Ariola or other subsidiary labels/imprints of BMG, and where the BMG logo appears on back cover only (and not on media label), BMG should not be added as a Label to LCCN. Please instead add BMG as a Record Company in LCCN. Example: [r11057796] For releases with a label logo of BMG (e.g., appears on media and packaging), including releases where another label logo may appear on media and/or packaging, please add BMG as a Label to LCCN. Example: [r16241531] Examples with two label logos: [r23374139] [r8092042] For releases where the BMG logo is subtitled with Bertelsmann Music Group or just Bertelsmann, please refer to Bertelsmann Music Group. Example: [r15236846] For releases with a credit of "Distributed by the local BMG company," please add BMG as "Distributed By" to LCCN. Example: [r1812664] Background/history: In 1985, Bertelsmann AG and RCA Corporation started a joint venture for their music divisions, RCA/Ariola Records. In 1986, Bertelsmann purchased all of the remainder of the joint venture's stock from General Electric and became the owner of both the RCA and Arista labels. The company was renamed on 26 March 1987 as Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG). Any reference to BMG is after that date. On August 5, 2004, BMG merged with Sony Music, and the resulting music company was named Sony BMG Music Entertainment. Bertelsmann sold off its stake in August 2008, leading to the formation of BMG Rights Management in Germany on 1 October 2008. BMG, as a record label, was reconstituted in the US, UK, and the rest of continental Europe in 2009 as a joint venture with the investment firm KKR. In 2012, Bertelsmann bought out KKR and now fully owns BMG. By 2014, it had a presence in 70% of the world’s music markets, and by 2017, it was global. Until 2023, worldwide distribution was handled by a network of companies working with BMG offices worldwide, while digital distribution was via Warner Music’s Alternative Distribution Alliance from 2017 to 2023, when BMG moved it in-house. As of 2023, the Universal Music Group distributes all BMG physical catalogue worldwide.