Senior executives at record label EMI and US rival Warner Music were said today to be preparing for preliminary talks over a £4bn-plus merger.

The chairman of EMI Group PLC, the world’s No. 3 record company, today condemned French moves to legalise online music file-sharing as an “aberration,” and urged a rethink by the government.

Music giant EMI today said a warm response to chart-topping albums from Coldplay and Gorillaz had lifted trading in its new financial year.

Music giant EMI today blamed delays in releasing new albums by Coldplay and Gorillaz for falling profits and market share.

Music giant EMI signalled today that it was winning the war against piracy after sales of downloaded music surged six-fold over the summer.

EMI Group Plc, the world’s second-largest record company, said the recorded music market showed “encouraging trends” in the first few months of the year and it is confident of achieving its full-year financial targets.

EMI sounded a more hopeful note about trading prospects today as the music group said efforts to contain piracy were starting to have an impact.

MUSIC group EMI could face a takeover move from a US private equity group if it fails in its bid for the recorded music division of Time Warner, according to reports.

Music group EMI could face a takeover move from a United States private equity group if it fails in its bid for the recorded music division of Time Warner, according to reports.

Music group EMI today said talks about buying Time Warner’s recorded music division were at “an advanced stage” as it posted a 6.6% fall in profits to £39.4m (€56.18m).

Music giant HMV, which also owns the Waterstone's book chain, remains upbeat despite reporting flat underlying sales for summer.

EMI returned to the black today with annual profits of £319.3m (€447m), despite worse than expected conditions in the recorded music market.

Moves by EMI to slash costs paid off today after the music group returned to profitability despite a further slide in sales.

Music giant HMV today said it was on track for a strong Christmas after seeing sales recover from a lull caused by the World Cup earlier this summer.

EMI Group PLC, the world's third-largest music company, may re-open merger talks with AOL Time Warner's Warner Music to create an entertainment company that would dwarf Sony and Walt Disney, The Observer reported citing EMI chairman Eric Nicoli.

Music giant EMI announced sharply lower profits today after a painful year at the recorded music division, which produces recordings by stars such as Kylie Minogue and Robbie Williams.

Music giant EMI today saw half-year profits plunge after being hit by falling CD sales.

EMI has replaced the boss of its music division.