[ENG.] BIS Records sells out to Apple. A further step in the break-up of the major independent classical labels.

One of the oldest independent labels of the digital recording era announces that it has sold out to Apple. Little more concrete information so far. A few initial thoughts.

Robert von Bahr, founder of BIS RECORDS announced on his website and social netwporks that, after 50 years of virtuous labor, he too, like Simon Perry for Hyperion who sold to Universal, is selling his catalog... to Apple. Both say they're very happy. And understandably so, if they've picked up a good cheque. It remains to be seen whether their resignation is not a bad move for the independent classical record industry.

It seems that the owners of classic independent labels of a certain size are finding themselves in a quandary when it comes to retirement. For the past 15 years, economic conditions have been increasingly appalling, making it very difficult for them to maintain a reasonable business, although in this case BIS has shown itself to be particularly skilful, more skilful than others, in maintaining a policy of quality and, at least on the surface, conviction.

Transferring the business "in the trade" by selling to another independent buyer would not result in a significant pro…