The 2004 merger of Sony and Bertelsmann’s recorded-music divisions formed Sony BMG.
Sony BMG was a joint venture combining Sony Music Entertainment with Bertelsmann Music Group, commonly called BMG. The deal created one of the world’s largest recorded-music companies, with a catalog containing recordings associated with artists such as Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan and Beyoncé.
The company operated as Sony BMG until Sony bought Bertelsmann’s half in 2008. It was then renamed Sony Music Entertainment, restoring the name of Sony’s music division. The merger was closely watched by competition authorities because the recorded-music business was already concentrated among a small number of major companies.
Sony BMG should not be confused with Sony Music Publishing, which handles song copyrights rather than recorded-music labels. It was also separate from Warner Music Group and Universal Music Group, the other major global music businesses.