Describing it as ‘the crown jewels’, Universal has vowed to celebrate Virgin’s 40th anniversary in style – and make it the No.1 label in the UK.

Virgin/EMI UK president Ted Cockle told Music Week he “couldn’t be more fortuitous” to be taking over the iconic brand as it celebrates “40 years of disruption” and promised a renaissance that will establish it as market leader in recorded music sales. He commented: “It’s crystal clear that that’s the goal. I don’t think ...