Quotes from heavies on deal

INITIAL REACTIONS: Says Mick Jagger, "This is a very positive development, and I particularly welcome the fact that EMI will once again be owned by people who really do have music in their blood." Coldplay manager Dave Holmes comments, “I look forward to working with the Universal team. They have assembled the most talented group of executives in the industry today and their success speaks for itself. This can only be a positive for the artists and executives at EMI." And Andrew Lloyd Webber offers, “This is thrilling news and a colossal act of faith in the future of recorded music. At last, Britain's greatest record company is in safe hands.” (11/11a)