The Russkys Are Coming

THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING: One of the factors behind the conventional wisdom that WMG buyer Len Blavatnik will add EMI Music to his portfolio is Citibank exec Dick Parsons’ longstanding relationship with Edgar Bronfman Jr., which goes back to when he was head of Time Warner and sold WMG to Junior. Word is he likes doing business with the rich and famous Bronfman family, and that this deal may all but be done despite the regulatory issues that would undoubtedly face them at the EU. Sony, UMG and BMG Rights, as well as the Gores brothers, who all bid on WMG, are also expected to be players. Meanwhile, Lyor Cohen, who will cash in an estimated $40 million payday after the sale, according to SEC filings, is supposedly in tight with the Russkies, thanks to his gal pal, famed fashion designer Tory Burch, whose company boasts Blavatnik’s Access Industries as a major investor. (6/20p)