It’s tentative times for Guy Hands as figures show EMI to be holding its lowest share in the US market for at least half a decade. EMI have a roster of high earning artists from the likes of Kylie and Coldplay to the Kooks, though recent times have been rather rough. Alongside suffering the desertion of Radiohead – just before their massive success that was In Rainbows – Rolling Stones have been rumoured to be turning their back on EMI, releasing their next album with Universal Music Group plaguing the recorded music division with difficult questions. The company has been marred recently by news that up to 2,000 jobs may be cut at the label in a shake-up designed to streamline the companies outgoings and improve profit margins, however there seems to be a downward slope that is taking a hold at EMI.

All may not be lost however as EMI’s recorded music division is placing much of its hopes in the hands of trump card Coldplay who are about to release Viva la Vida in Britain and the States on the 12th and 17th of June respectively. The British soft-rockers are EMI’s bestselling act globally and could help revive the current low figures that are plaguing the recorded music division.

The news of EMIs shortcomings in the US market is ultimately untimely though with the recorded music division of the label heading towards a difficult review point in September. Guy Hands’ Terra Firma are expected to meet financial targets as part of the clause of their loan from Citigroup – who lent £2.5bn to Terra Firma for the £4bn needed to buy out EMI – and they [EMI] are expected by Citigroup to meet earnings of £180m by september. Sources from within the company hint however that the label will be short of this figure come crunch time.