Paul Connolly's company topped the combined singles and albums table for the first time since Q4 2007 in the closing three months of the year with a 22.9% share, as EMI slipped to 19.3% - its lowest score in five years.

Universal's strong finish to the year means it could now go either its or EMI's way when the 2008's top publisher is announced at the Music Week Awards on April 8. Universal's return to the top was neatly balanced ...