Apple Corps, Universal Music Strike Global The Beatles Partnership

Apple Corps Ltd, the company founded in 1968 to oversee The Beatles’ creative and business interests, and Universal Music Group (UMG), have struck a new exclusive, long-term, global partnership for The Beatles.

The agreement will see UMG “handle worldwide physical and digital merchandise, licensing, and e-commerce on behalf of the band, and builds on UMG’s existing stewardship of The Beatles’ legendary catalogue,” the partners said on Wednesday. “The extensive partnership marks a new era of close collaboration between Apple Corps Ltd and UMG.”

Financial and other terms weren’t disclosed.

Lucian Grainge, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, said: “The Beatles embody music’s power to change the world, and that influence makes them one of the most iconic and enduring cultural brands of all time. We’re grateful for Apple Corps’ trust as we deepen our global partnership, while protecting and growing The Beatles’ legacy through authentic fan experiences worthy of their artistry. As a lifelong Beatles fan, building on the relationships forged over the past 14 years is one of the great highlights of my career.”

The Beatles play “a hugely significant role in modern popular culture, with groundbreaking, record-setting music that has endured for decades,” the partners also highlighted. “Their energy, charisma and creativity spawned ‘Beatlemania,’ the original global super-fandom, which to this day sets the standard for true fan connection. They are a legendary music powerhouse that excites and inspires fans across generations and around the world.”

This cultural impact is what the companies now want to see “turbo-charged by Apple Corps Ltd’s plans to bring The Beatles music to fans across the generations in pioneering, creative manners.”

Earlier this year, Apple Corps unveiled the world’s first official fan experience, The Beatles at 3 Savile Row. Due to launch in 2027, it will feature seven floors of never-seen-before material from Apple Corps’ extensive archives, rotating exhibitions, a fan store, and the recreation of the original studio where “Let it Be” was recorded. It will also give fans the opportunity to tread in the band’s footsteps as they relive the iconic rooftop concert – immortalized in Peter Jackson’s Get Back – on the spot where it took place.  

Apple Corps this year also recognized the 25th of June as Global Beatles Day, the fan initiative first set up in 2009 to share The Beatles’ message of “All You Need Is Love.”

The partnership news comes ahead of the release of The Beatles – A Four Film Cinematic Event in 2028, which will bring John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr’s iconic stories to the screen across four major biopic films, directed by Sam Mendes. The project marks the first time Apple Corps and The Beatles have granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film.

“We are delighted to partner with UMG on a new global merchandising deal,” said Tom Greene, CEO of Apple Corps. “There has never been a more exciting time to work on The Beatles as we look ahead to the 3 Saville Row fan experience in 2027, and our biopic movies in 2028. The Beatles message has never been more relevant or needed in the world today, and we look forward to delighting millions of fans with everything we have planned.”

Added Dickon Stainer, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group U.K.: “The Beatles continue to play an unmatched role in putting U.K. music front and centre on the global stage. This new agreement with Apple Corps will ensure audiences across the world are opened up to their unique genius.”

The news was accompanied by a rare photo from 1968, taken during the famous Mad Day Out photoshoot, also featuring Martha, Paul McCartney’s sheepdog. See the full photo below.