UMPG TAKES ROBBIE

Robbie Williams’ publishing company, Farrell Music, is now in the hands of Universal Music Publishing Group. The agreement includes Williams’ existing catalog and future works.

UMPG UK MD Mike McCormack, a former Virgin exec, signed Williams as a solo artist when the singer was breaking away from Take That. “Even then, he was a huge personality and a pleasure to work with,” McCormack says. “He’s gone on to become a global superstar and an incredible songwriter—so it’s a privilege to represent all these great songs and the new material he will be writing in the future.”

Williams is about to release his 13th studio album—his first Christmas record. Williams will sing the theme song for Channel 4's Christmas TV adaptation of he classic children's book The Tiger Came To Tea.

With Farrell at UMPG, maybe they'll open an ice cream parlor in Santa Monica. (If you don't get that, ask an Angeleno over the age of 50).