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.