London, October 21st 2011: A new album from Robbie Williams is set to be released next year by Universal Music following a deal struck between the world’s leading record company and the most successful British male solo artist ever.

The new studio album – Robbie’s first since 2009 and his latest creative venture following his phenomenally successful reunion with Take That – is likely to be the most hotly-anticipated new release of 2012. It will be issued worldwide by Universal Music next Autumn.

Robbie says: “I’m really thrilled to be joining the Universal family at what I think is the most exciting time in my career."

Tim Clark, Director, ie:music ltd, says: “This great new deal puts Robbie Williams firmly in control of his own destiny, but with the most muscular of partners."

Robbie is currently recording the new record, his ninth studio album, in his own studio in Los Angeles.

Universal Music Group Chairman/CEO Lucian Grainge says: “What a thrill this announcement is. To be working with Robbie and his team, and to have the opportunity to support this incredible stage of his career, makes life so exciting.”

Universal Music UK chairman & CEO David Joseph says: “Having had the chance to listen to the music I’ve no doubt that Robbie is currently at his most creatively inspired. We are about to witness something very special.”

Universal Music GSA and Deutsche Grammophon President Frank Briegmann says: “We are extremely excited to be working with Robbie Williams who is an exceptional artist with real superstar status.”

Robbie Williams has sold over 60 million albums over his solo career and has won more Brit Awards than any other artist in history. His number one anthology “In And Out Of Consciousness – Greatest Hits 1990 – 2010” was the best selling greatest hits album of last year whilst his seven number one UK albums mean he is easily the biggest selling solo artist in UK history.

Robbie's 2010 Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution To Music brought his tally of Brits to 16, more than any other artist since the awards began. A plethora of other record-breaking awards – including one for fastest ever ticket sales, coupled with the honour of playing the largest open air concert in UK history (an unprecedented three nights at Knebworth in 2003) – have meant that his status as a live performer has equalled his massive achievements as a recording artist.

For further information please contact:
For Robbie Williams: Murray Chalmers on +44 207 361 0730
murray@murraychalmers.com
For Universal Music UK: Selina Webb on +44 20 7471 5385
selina.webb@umusic.com

About Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group is the world’s leading music company with wholly owned record operations or licensees in 77 territories. Its businesses also include Universal Music Publishing Group, the industry’s leading global music publishing operation.

Universal Music Group’s record labels include A&M/Octone, Decca, Def Jam Recordings, Deutsche Grammophon, Disa, Emarcy, Fonovisa, Geffen Records, Interscope Records, Island Records, Lost Highway Records, Machete Music, MCA Nashville, Mercury Nashville, Mercury Records, Motown Records, Polydor Records, Show Dog–Universal Music, Universal Music Latino, Universal Republic and Verve Music Group as well as a multitude of record labels owned or distributed by its record company subsidiaries around the world. The Universal Music Group owns the most extensive catalogue of music in the industry, which includes the last 100 years of the world’s most popular artists and their recordings. UMG’s catalogue is marketed through two distinct divisions, Universal Music Enterprises (in the U.S.) and Universal Strategic Marketing (outside the U.S.). Universal Music Group also includes eLabs, its new media and technologies division; Bravado, its merchandising company; and Twenty-First Artists, its full service management division.