Access Industries Withdraws From EMI Auction
Len Blavatnik's Access Industries has withdrawn its bid to purchase EMI Music, following last week's news that the company was the front-runner to purchase the label's recorded music division, according to Billboard.biz. The two companies reportedly couldn't come to an agreement on a valuation, even though Access Industries' bid was said to have been in the $1.5 billion to $1.6 billion range, above analysts' predictions of what the company's recorded music division would go for if sold separately. BMG Rights Management and Sony Corporation remain the front-runners to purchase EMI Music Publishing, with bids reportedly coming in at approximately $1.8 billion. (10/31)
Billboard Mexican Music Awards Draws 5 Million Viewers
The inaugural Billboard Mexican Music Awards drew 5 million total viewers and 2.8 million viewers in the 18–49 demographic on Oct. 27, making the show one of the year's top five highest-rated entertainment primetime specials on Telemundo. The red carpet pre-show averaged 1.2 million total viewers and 652,000 adults 18–49. Performances included Shaila Dúrcal, Gerardo Ortiz and Jenni Rivera, among others. (10/31)