Apple Corps and Universal Music Group Announce Global Beatles Enterprise Partnership

Apple Corps Ltd—the company founded in 1968 to manage the Beatles' creative portfolio—and Universal Music Group (UMG) have announced an exclusive, long-term global partnership. Under the new agreement, UMG will handle all worldwide e-commerce, consumer merchandise, and brand strategy for the legendary rock band. The commercial integration comes ahead of director Sam Mendes' anticipated The Beatles – A Four Film Cinematic Event slated for 2028, which marks the first time full life-story and music catalog rights have been granted for scripted biopics. The partnership aims to streamline digital distribution and merchandise access for global music fans across streaming and physical retail platforms. Expanding a Historic Commercial Legacy In a major expansion of one of popular music's most enduring commercial brands, Apple Corps Ltd. and Universal Music Group (UMG) have officially unveiled an exclusive, long-term global partnership. Under the landmark agreement, UMG will take over worldwide management of physical and digital merchandise, retail licensing, and direct-to-consumer e-commerce operations for The Beatles. Founded in 1968 by the band members to oversee their creative and business interests, Apple Corps has managed the group's rights for over half a century. The new deal deepens an existing business arrangement, as UMG has served as the custodian of The Beatles' master recording catalog since 2012. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but corporate leadership emphasized that consolidating merchandise and recording rights under one global umbrella will help streamline retail strategies and guard the band's artistic legacy across modern consumer channels. Key Initiatives: 3 Savile Row and Cinematic Biopics The retail expansion directly aligns with major multi-media projects planned by Apple Corps to engage future generations of fans. Ahead of the broader commercial rollout, organizers revealed details for "The Beatles at 3 Savile Row," the band's first official permanent fan experience, scheduled to open in London in 2027. Spanning seven floors at the site of the group's former headquarters, the venue will offer rotating exhibitions, unreleased archival material, a physical fan store, and a full structural recreation of the studio where Let It Be was recorded alongside the roof where their famous final 1969 concert took place. Additionally, the partnership will support The Beatles – A Four Film Cinematic Event, an unprecedented series of four biographical feature films directed by Sam Mendes slated for simultaneous theatrical release in April 2028. Marking the first instance where Apple Corps and the band's estates granted full life-story and music rights for a scripted motion picture, the films feature Harris Dickinson as John Lennon, Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Joseph Quinn as George Harrison, and Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr. Executive Statements and Brand Growth Strategies Leadership at both companies expressed strong enthusiasm for the broad commercial framework. Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, described the group as "one of the most iconic and enduring cultural brands of all time," noting that deepening ties built over the past 14 years represents a major career highlight. Tom Greene, CEO of Apple Corps Ltd., added that the collaboration comes at a uniquely active period for the band's legacy, citing the upcoming London installation, cinematic biopics, and annual initiatives like Global Beatles Day. Furthermore, UMG UK CEO Dickon Stainer highlighted that unified global distribution will introduce the Fab Four's catalog to emerging international markets. By integrating worldwide direct-to-consumer platforms with physical exhibitions and major media events, Apple Corps and UMG establish a modernized business framework to sustain Beatles brand equity for decades to come.