Virgin Classics

Virgin Classics
Virgin Classics
Parent company	Thorn EMI (1992–1996); EMI (1996–2012); Parlophone Label Group; (independent operation; 2012–2013); Warner Music Group; (back catalogue; 2013–present);
Founded	1988; 37 years ago
Founder	Richard Branson
Defunct	2013; 12 years ago
Status	Defunct; absorbed into Erato Records
Genre	Classical music
Country of origin	France

Virgin Classics was a record label founded in 1988 as part of Richard Branson's Virgin Records.^[1]

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The unit, along with EMI Classics, was acquired by Universal Music Group in 2012 as part of the takeover of the EMI Music Group, however the terms of the European Commission's September 2012 approval of the takeover requires divestment of the classical labels^[2] which were sold on 7 February 2013 to Warner Music Group.^[3] The European Union approved the deal in May 2013.^[4] Warner Music's Warner Classics unit absorbed the Virgin Classics artists roster and catalogue into Erato Records^[5] but lost the rights to use either the EMI or Virgin names.

Principal artists