MBW’s Weekly Round-Up: Warner's EMP Sale and Universal Music's Briegmann Promotion

From Warner’s EMP sell-off to Universal Music’s Briegmann promotion… it’s MBW’s Weekly Round-Up

October 2, 2026 By Rafaela Fornitani Welcome to Music Business Worldwide’s Weekly Round-up – where we make sure you caught the five biggest stories to hit our headlines over the past seven days. MBW’s Round-up is exclusively supported by BMI, a global leader in performing rights management, dedicated to supporting songwriters, composers and publishers and championing the value of music. Continue to article...

This week, Warner Music Group sold EMP , the German rock and metal merch retailer it acquired for $180 million in 2018, to whynow , the media and commerce company founded by Gabe Jagger .

Meanwhile, Tomas Ericsson is stepping down as CEO of digital collection society amra after more than a decade, with COO Robin Davies lined up to succeed him.

Elsewhere, Universal Music Group promoted Frank Briegmann to Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada & Deutsche Grammophon.

Also this week, Sonny Takhar was named Chairman and CEO of Warner Music UK & Ireland. He’ll report to Val Blavatnik , and will take up the role in January 2027.

Plus: Japan’s Avex increased its ownership of Brandon Silverstein’s S10 Entertainment to 85% , with an agreement to reach 100% ownership over time.

Here are some of our biggest headlines from the past few days…

1. Warner sells EMP, the merch business it acquired for $180M in 2018, to whynow, owned by Mick Jagger's son Gabe Jagger

Warner Music Group has sold EMP , the Germany-based rock and metal merchandise retailer it acquired for USD $180 million in 2018.

The buyer is whynow , the London-headquartered media and commerce company founded by Gabe Jagger , son of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger .

MBW first reported that an EMP sale was on the cards in August 2025, after Warner booked a $70 million pre-tax impairment charge on what its filings called “non-core e-tailer operations.” ( MBW )

2. After more than a decade as CEO of amra, Tomas Ericsson moves to Chairman, as Robin Davies takes over as CEO

Tomas Ericsson is stepping down as CEO of amra .

The global digital collection society said on Tuesday ( September 29 ) that Ericsson will leave the role effective January 1, 2027 , after more than a decade in charge.

He will become Chairman of the Board at amra. ( MBW )

3. Frank Briegmann promoted to Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada & Deutsche Grammophon

Universal Music Group has promoted Frank Briegmann to Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada & Deutsche Grammophon.

The appointment, announced on Thursday (October 1), expands the remit of Briegmann , who will continue to report to Sir Lucian Grainge , Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Group.

Briegmann was previously Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Central Europe and Deutsche Grammophon . ( MBW )

4. Sonny Takhar named Chairman and CEO of Warner Music UK & Ireland

Sonny Takhar has been named Chairman and CEO of Warner Music UK & Ireland.

Takhar will take up the role in January 2027, overseeing creative direction, artist development, and strategic operations across WMG’s recorded music footprint in the UK, the world’s third-largest music market, and Ireland.

Takhar will report to Val Blavatnik , who was confirmed last week in a new position as Managing Director of Warner Music North America, UK & Corporate Development. ( MBW )

5. Avex ups ownership stake in Brandon Silverstein's S10 Entertainment, with an agreement to reach 100% over time

Japanese entertainment company Avex Inc. has increased its ownership of S10 Entertainment , the management company founded by Brandon Silverstein .

The Tokyo-listed firm has bought shares in S10 from Silverstein and his partners. The deal increases Avex’s ownership in S10 to 85%, with an agreement to reach 100% ownership over time.

Avex did not name the selling partners. Roc Nation has been a partner in S10’s management business alongside Silverstein since 2017. ( MBW )

Partner message: MBW’s Weekly Round-up is supported by BMI , the global leader in performing rights management, dedicated to supporting songwriters, composers and publishers and championing the value of music. Find out more about  BMI   here .  Music Business Worldwide

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_Originally reported by [Music Business Worldwide](https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/from-warners-emp-sell-off-to-universal-musics-briegmann-promotion-its-mbws-weekly-round-up/)._