As the founder of Conifer Records (1977) and its record label (1984) I am
absolutely delighted to report that the following statement was issued
Dec.2nd by BMG in London.

   BMG Conifer to be re-named BMG Classics

   Effective 1 December 1999 BMG Conifer, the UK affiliate of BMG
   Classics International, will be known as BMG Classics.

   This move is consistent with BMG Classics operating divisions on a
   worldwide basis and reflects the full integration of Conifer Records
   into the BMG Classics company in the UK.

   Richard Dinnadge, Director of BMG Classics in the UK commented; "The
   change of name for BMG's classical division in the UK acknowledges
   the highly successful and complete integration of Conifer Records
   into BMG UK.  We have effectively combined the strengths of Conifer
   and BMG Classics and created the fastest growing company in the UK
   in all the repertoire areas in which we operate."

   The specialist classical label Conifer Records Ltd was acquired in
   1995 by BMG Entertainment International, UK & Ireland Ltd.  This
   brought to BMG a rich catalogue of classical recordings and a roster
   of renowned distributed labels.  Conifer's operation was subsequently
   merged with that of the existing BMG Classics UK division creating
   BMG Conifer.  Since the acquisition of Conifer, BMG's share of the
   UK classical market has more than trebled from 2.8% (1995) to 9.7%
   (1998)*.  ...

What caused my departure, and what occurred in the company before and after
that departure in late 1984 and through to BMG's acquisition of the label
in 1995, is completely unknown to the BMG management!  Were it otherwise
they would understand my great satisfaction!

I am sure any discs that have proved to be of any value from that catalogue
will appear under the BMG/RCA flag in due course.

John G. Deacon
Home page: www.ctv.es/USERS/j.deacon
Campobello: www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/campobello