Universal Music Inks Major Beatles Merch Deal Ahead Biopics

Universal Music and The Beatles’ Apple Corps Ltd. announce a major merchandising partnership ahead of the upcoming four-part documentary series.

The Beatles’ Apple Corps Ltd., founded in 1968 to oversee the band’s creative and business interests, has announced an exclusive global e-commerce and merchandising partnership with Universal Music Group (UMG). The agreement will see UMG handle worldwide physical and digital merchandise, licensing, and e-commerce on behalf of the band and builds on UMG’s existing stewardship of The Beatles’ legendary catalog.

To this day, The Beatles play a massively significant role in modern pop culture, with groundbreaking, record-setting music that has endured for decades. Their energy, charisma, and creativity spawned “Beatlemania,” the original global super-fandom, that sets the standard even today for true fan connection.

Their enduring impact is being further elevated by Apple Corps Ltd.’s plans to bring The Beatles’ music to fans in new and exciting ways. Earlier this year, the company announced the world’s first official fan experience, The Beatles at 3 Savile Row. Due to launch in 2027, it will feature seven floors of never-before-seen material from Apple Corps Ltd.’s extensive archives, rotating exhibitions, a fan store, and the recreation of the original studio where Let It Be was recorded.

The timing is apt, coming ahead of the highly anticipated release of The Beatles — A Four Film Cinematic Event in 2028. The films will bring John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr’s iconic stories to the screen across an unprecedented four major biopic films, directed by Sam Mendes. The project marks the first time Apple Corps Ltd. and The Beatles have granted full life story and music rights for a scripted film.

“We are delighted to partner with UMG on a new global merchandising deal,” said Tom Greene, CEO of Apple Corps Ltd. “There has never been a more exciting time to work on The Beatles as we look ahead to the 3 Savile Row fan experience in 2027 and our biopic movies in 2028. The Beatles’ message has never been more relevant or needed in the world today, and we look forward to delighting millions of fans with everything we have planned.”

“The Beatles embody music’s power to change the world, and that influence makes them one of the most iconic and enduring cultural brands of all time,” shared Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group. “We’re grateful for Apple Corps’ trust as we deepen our global partnership while protecting and growing The Beatles’ legacy through authentic fan experiences worthy of their artistry. As a lifelong Beatles fan, building on the relationships forged over the past 14 years is one of the great highlights of my career.”

“The Beatles continue to play an unmatched role in putting UK music front and center on the global stage,” added Dickon Stainer, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group UK. “This new agreement with Apple Corps will ensure audiences across the world are opened up to their unique genius.”

Home to the famous Abbey Road Studios, where The Beatles recorded 190 of their 211 tracks, UMG has a long-standing relationship with the band. UMG is the steward of The Beatles’ beloved catalog, which includes some of the most celebrated albums of all time, such as Abbey Road and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Adding UMG’s extensive licensing and merchandising capabilities to the partnership creates more opportunities for innovation and will help take the story of one of the world’s most influential and celebrated bands to new and existing fans worldwide.