EMI Closing Asian Offices Earlier Than Rumored

It has been rumored for several weeks that EMI was shutting down most of its Asian operations and seeking a partner to handle future operations.  Now our veteran Asian music industry watcher Maths who blogs at Music 2.0 reports that offices are already being closed and front runner has emerged in the partnership race.

According to Maths, EMI has already "effectively closed offices in Thailand and Singapore whilst those in Japan, India, Australia and China will remain to some level of direct EMI jurisdiction especially on the digital front." The more lucrative publishing arm appears to be spared from major cuts.

The future? While EMI is apparently in talks with several companies license and manage their catalog in Asia rumours have Warner Music as the front runner.

MORE: Music 2.0 has commentary on why EMI and other major label efforts in the region are failing.