Universal have announced that they have signed an "exclusive, long term, worldwide" deal with The Rolling Stones. The contract covers all future albums, which will be released through their Polydor label, and, more importantly, much of the band's back catalogue, which moves with them from EMI.
The Stones, of course, already released a live album through Universal under a one-album deal back in March, but have now decided to stick with the label on a more concrete basis. They said in statement: "Universal are forward thinking, creative and hands-on music people. We really look forward to working with them".
Universal said it was planning "an unprecedented, long-term campaign to reposition the Rolling Stones' entire catalogue for the digital age".
CEO Doug Morris added: "There is no question that the Rolling Stones are one of the most important bands in music history. Their musical style and off-stage swagger have been emulated by countless others".
The mainstream spin on this, of course, is that it's another big blow from Guy Hands' EMI, though I'm not entirely convinced it is really.