Yesterday, Universal Music UK announced the merger of Virgin and Mercury Records. The new hybrid name is now Virgin EMI, and will act as host to some of U.S. & Canada’s biggest stars. Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, and Emeli Sande are just some of the names that will spearhead this label into success. Read more info below:

Universal acquired Virgin when it bought EMI in a £1.2bn deal last year.

As part of the new set-up, Mercury executives will transfer to Virgin EMI Records, which will be home to international artists from Island Def Jam and Virgin US labels.

Meanwhile Virgin, which became part of Universal Music following that company’s takeover of EMI in November last year, will return to being a full-service record company.

Ted Cockle, Virgin EMI president said: “In the label’s 40th year, to have this incredible line-up of British artists and US repertoire of such pedigree it feels like Virgin EMI will have everything in place to help the very best talent flourish fully.”

Props to BBC News & AlLindstrom