Story perspectives

UMG gains control of digital Beatles merchandise deal

8/20/2026

Summary

UMG Controls Beatles

Apple Corps Ltd and Universal Music Group (UMG) signed a partnership giving UMG control of digital Beatles merchandise, licensing and e-commerce.
Deal expands UMG’s stewardship of The Beatles catalog into merchandising and e-commerce.
3 Savile Row fan experience, opening in London in 2027, will occupy floors and recreate the Jan 30 1969 rooftop concert.
Sam Mendes will direct a four-film series, The Beatles — A Four Film Cinematic Event, slated for 2028.

Summary

UMG Posts Loss

UMG’s merchandising division posted €167 million revenue in Q2 2026, down 10.7% YoY, and recorded an Adjusted EBITDA loss of €5 million.
The quarter’s loss follows a €1 million profit in the same period a year earlier.
Bravado has managed Beatles merchandise in North America since September 2022.
CEO Tom Greene previously led Harry Potter’s digital ventures, growing its fan club to over 50 million members.

History

Historical Context

After a series of trademark battles ending in the 2007 settlement that transferred all Apple-related marks to Apple Inc. for a reported $500 million, the company launched the Beatles catalog on iTunes in 2010, proving digital sales viable. In May 2026 Apple announced acquisition of the original Savile Row Apple Corps building, paving the way for Universal Music Group’s 2026 merchandising partnership with Apple Corps.

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UMG Controls Beatles

Apple Corps Ltd and Universal Music Group (UMG) signed a partnership giving UMG control of digital Beatles merchandise, licensing and e-commerce.
Deal expands UMG’s stewardship of The Beatles catalog into merchandising and e-commerce.
3 Savile Row fan experience, opening in London in 2027, will occupy floors and recreate the Jan 30 1969 rooftop concert.
Sam Mendes will direct a four-film series, The Beatles — A Four Film Cinematic Event, slated for 2028.

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