Report: Stones to switch record labels

LONDON, July 25 (UPI) -- The Rolling Stones reportedly are planning to leave the British record label EMI after decades of collaboration.

The Times of London said the iconic British rock 'n' roll band is expected to sign with Universal Music, which released the soundtrack to the Stones concert film "Shine a Light" earlier this year.

The anticipated deal, which would cap a bidding war, is expected to give the Stones control of all their releases since the 1970s, The Times said.

The newspaper added that Vivendi-owned Universal Music also controls the 1960s Stones records in the United Kingdom, released through the Decca label, so the expected deal would unify the band's body of work.