BMG Classics

After reviving the RCA "lightning bolt" logo, the Victor imprint, and its vast back catalog of classical and jazz recordings, the BMG Classics label division was formed in 1987 by German-based Bertelsmann Music Group following the acquisition of the 50% stake in RCA/Ariola from General Electric.

A corporate restructuring of BMG in 2000 eventually led to the close of the BMG Classics division, with its associated labels being moved to RCA Victor Group through 2003 and the Arista Associated Labels group the following year. In 2004, BMG went into a joint venture with Sony, forming Sony BMG Music Entertainment, with classical music titles being released through the Sony BMG Masterworks label. In October 2008, Bertelsmann sold all its label holdings to its partner, completing the merger to becoming Sony Music Entertainment.