Sony BMG Music Entertainment

Use this entry for releases with the "Sony BMG Music Entertainment" logo and for releases that credit "Sony BMG Music Entertainment" for company roles like Copyright or Distributed By.

Sony BMG Music Entertainment was an American multinational record company active under this name between 2004 and 2009.
It was the result of a 50/50 joint venture between Sony Music Entertainment Inc. and Bertelsmann Music Group (part of Bertelsmann AG), which was completed on August 5, 2004. It was one of the four major labels.
In August 2008, Sony acquired Bertelsmann's 50% stake in the company. The new company became Sony Music Entertainment on January 1, 2009.

Except for occasional reissues and represses with no update of artwork and/or copyright notice (eg. Chapterhouse - Whirlpool, Men At Work - The Essential Men At Work), Sony BMG Music Entertainment won't be credited on 2009 or later releases.

CD matrix information:

Some CDs may show the Sony BMG Music Entertainment logo with the following matrix style:
[Sony BMG Music Entertainment logo] 5xxxxxxx/YYY ZZ
where:
- 5xxxxxxx is a number assigned by the plant for internal cataloguing (see below for the plants).
- YYY is the catalogue number of the release.
- ZZ is a two digit number, often 21 or 22, 25 and 26 are also known.
Usually in conjunction with Mould SID Code IFPI 07** or IFPI RV**.

These CDs are actually manufactured on behalf of Sony BMG Music Entertainment by the pressing plant known variously as:
Sonopress Arvato (2004-2008)
Arvato Digital Services (2008-2011)
(see Arvato / Sonopress profiles for additional details)

Sony BMG Music Entertainment should not be credited with Glass Mastered At or Pressed By on such CDs. Please credit the appropriate pressing plant based on the release date of the specific CD.