Universal Music Group

Please note that the takeover of the PolyGram group did not occur until early 1999, so if a label from that group (such as Mercury, Polydor, Decca, Verve Records, Philips, etc.) appears, it is from 1999 or later. Additionally, if a 7-digit catalogue number xxxxxx-x is listed, it indicates the release is using the adopted PolyGram system, so it's from 1999 or later. The B00xxxxxx sequence of catalogue numbers dates from early 2003. This should only be used as a label if the release includes a logo with the exact wording "Universal Music Group" as part of the logo. If it carries another applicable Universal label/imprint, please use that as the primary label for new entries. The music operations company is UMG Recordings, Inc.

History

The Universal Music Group was formed in December 1996 by Seagram. Seagram, who had acquired MCA Inc. in April 1995, renamed their MCA Music Entertainment Group to Universal Music Group. In 1998, Seagram acquired PolyGram and subsequently merged it with the Universal Music Group to establish the world's largest recorded music business. The takeover was in January 1999, so any PolyGram-derived catalogue and PolyGram-styled catalogue numbers (xxxxxx-x) are from 1999 or later.