EC approves Parlophone sale

A RUSH OF NEW BLOOD TO THE HARE: Meanwhile, the European Commission announced this morning that it has just approved the $744 million acquisition of the Parlophone Label Group by Len Blavatnik’s Access Industries, the primary owner of Warner Music, the Wall Street Journal reports. "Following the acquisition, WMG will continue to face competition from the two remaining major music companies, namely Universal Music Group and Sony, as well as from independent music labels," the Commission said in a statement. PLG comprises the namesake Parlophone label, along with Chrysalis and Ensign. Past and present Parlophone artists include Coldplay, Duran Duran, David Guetta, Iron Maiden, Pink Floyd, Radiohead and Tina Turner. (5/15a)