Hyperion Records is joining Universal Music Group (UMG).

On 15 March, Universal Music Group announced the acquisition of the renowned British classical label in a press release. Hyperion Records is now part of the music industry leader's portfolio of renowned classical labels, such as Deutsche Grammophon and Decca Classics.

"Hyperion is a jewel of a label and we are committed to continuing the magnificent work done by the Perry family and to preserving and building on the special place Hyperion occupies in the hearts of artists and music fans alike," says Dickon Stainer, UMG President and CEO for Global Classics & Jazz.

Founded in 1980 by Ted Perry MBE, Hyperion is home to distinguished recording artists as Marc-André Hamelin, Angela Hewitt, Sir Stephen Hough, Alina Ibragimova, Steven Isserlis, Dame Emma Kirkby, Steven Osborne, the Takács Quartet, and many more. The legendary classical label is known for its quality recordings of classical music in various styles, spanning different time periods. 

"I’m thrilled to bring Hyperion to Universal Music Group, a company that shares Hyperion’s commitment to bringing the most distinctive and brilliant musicians to as wide a public as possible," shares Director of Hyperion Records Simon Perry. "By being part of UMG, while keeping our artists and staff together, we can continue to build on my father’s legacy and that of everyone who’s been part of the Hyperion family over the past 43 years. My debt to all of them is huge and I look forward to leading this incredible label into an exciting new chapter."

Hyperion Records is said to remain a stand-alone recording label within Universal Music UK to "preserve and secure its unique identity and legacy at the vanguard of classical music." 

Some artists under Hyperion's roster have shown support for the said acquisition.

Angela Hewitt shares, "Almost thirty years ago we began our journey together, and you have been the greatest support and main “creator” of my career, and for that I am eternally grateful. It has been a career built on integrity, quality, and inspiration, and with Ted, and then Simon, I have felt nothing but respect for both me and the music. I am proud to have been associated with Hyperion for so long, and of the catalogue we have built together. It is good to know that my Mozart piano sonata cycle will be finished and that there are other projects that will go forward as well. I completely understand why Hyperion has changed hands at this point and am thrilled that Simon Perry remains part of the team. Here’s to the next chapter in the life of a brilliant record label!”

"Over many years Hyperion has been a wonderful artistic team for me, supporting me to discover, experiment and record incredible repertoire in exactly the way I wanted. Hyperion has become famous for discovering works by lesser-known composers as well as recording the standard repertoire but in a unique way, always with huge commitment and integrity. I am looking forward to many more years of working with Simon Perry and his team in this new chapter as they join Universal Music Group." Alina Ibragimova adds.

"I started recording for Hyperion when digital technology was barely a decade old – in the early-1990s. It has been an amazing home for me over the past 30 years, allowing me to record dozens of albums, from the obscurest repertoire to mainstream classics to my own music. That Universal wants to take the label under its umbrella alongside DG and Decca is great news as it will give the widest possible exposure and support for Hyperion's catalogue of treasures," says Sir Stephen Hough.