Universal Music Group (UMG) and Apple Corps have announced a new exclusive, long-term, global partnership for The Beatles.
The agreement will see UMG handle worldwide physical and digital merchandise, licensing, and e-commerce on behalf of the band, and builds on UMG’s existing stewardship of The Beatles’ catalogue.
The extensive partnership marks a new era of close collaboration between Apple Corps – which was founded in 1968 to oversee The Beatles’ creative and business interests – and UMG.
We’re grateful for Apple Corps’ trust as we deepen our global partnership, while protecting and growing The Beatles' legacy
Sir Lucian Grainge, UMG
Sir Lucian Grainge, UMG chairman and CEO, said: “The Beatles embody music’s power to change the world, and that influence makes them one of the most iconic and enduring cultural brands of all time. We’re grateful for Apple Corps’ trust as we deepen our global partnership, while protecting and growing The Beatles' legacy through authentic fan experiences worthy of their artistry.
"As a lifelong Beatles fan, building on the relationships forged over the past 14 years is one of the great highlights of my career."
Earlier this year, Apple Corps revealed plans for the first ever official Beatles fan experience to launch in London, The Beatles at 3 Savile Row.
3 Savile Row, Mayfair was originally Apple Corps’ earliest 1960s headquarters, and the studio where Let It Be was recorded. It was also the setting for The Beatles’ final public performance, the rooftop concert of January 30, 1969.
Due to launch in 2027, the fan experience will feature seven floors of never-seen-before material from Apple Corps' archives, rotating exhibitions, a fan store, and the recreation of the original studio where Let It Be was recorded.
It will also give fans the opportunity to relive the iconic rooftop concert – as featured in Peter Jackson’s Get Back – in the location where it happened.
The Beatles continue to play an unmatched role in putting UK music front and centre on the global stage
Dickon Stainer, UMG UK
This year Apple Corps also officially recognised June 25 as Global Beatles Day, the fan initiative set up in 2009.
Last month meanwhile, UMG and Apple Corps announced they will release an expanded special edition of The Beatles’ landmark 1965 album Rubber Soul on October 2.
In addition, 2028 will see the release of The Beatles – A Four Film Cinematic Event, which will bring John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr’s stories to the screen across four major biopic films, directed by Sam Mendes. The project marks the first time Apple Corps and The Beatles have granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film.
“We are delighted to partner with UMG on a new global merchandising deal," said Tom Greene, CEO of Apple Corps. "There has never been a more exciting time to work on The Beatles as we look ahead to the 3 Saville Row fan experience in 2027, and our biopic movies in 2028. The Beatles message has never been more relevant or needed in the world today, and we look forward to delighting millions of fans with everything we have planned.”
Dickon Stainer, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group UK, added: “The Beatles continue to play an unmatched role in putting UK music front and centre on the global stage. This new agreement with Apple Corps will ensure audiences across the world are opened up to their unique genius.”
