Exclusive: Hyperion is guaranteed its independence

We’ve been burrowing the small print of the Universal Music takeover of the iconic Hyperion label.

The deal is to be formally announced later today and there are some encouraging signs bbetweenn the lines.

Hyperion will retain its identity, editorial autonomy and integrity alongside DG, Decca and the other Universal labels.

Simon Perry will remain editorial director, continuing a family legacy that goes back 43 years and 2,500 recordings. Hyperion’s distinctive artists – Angela Hewitt, Stephen Hough and the like – are content with the new alignment and remain on board.

Hyperion was always a quirky label with a passionate fan base. It will now have access to advanced technologies without sacrificing its mandate or its traditions. We understand it will continue production at the same level, around three releases a month.

One insider tells us: ‘Hyperion was basically a bundle of excellent freelancers coordinated by Simon Perry, the payments made by his wife Alison, aided in the back room by long-serving production and website manager Nick Flower and booklet editor Todd Harris, with Edward Taylor sorting licensing and copyright. Everything else was freelance.’

All of those roles will continue.

pictured: Ted Perry, Hyperion’s founder.

UPDATE: