The deal will see Universal Music exclusively release London 2012-branded music, including compilation albums.

It also covers the composing, publishing and recording of London 2012-related music between now and the Games.

Universal Music, whose roots can be traced to the United States as Decca Records in 1934 but who are wholly owned by French company Vivendi, will also act as consultants to advise London 2012 on all aspects of music at the Games.

The present organisation was formed when its parent company Seagram purchased PolyGram and merged it with Universal Music Group in 1998.

The name first appeared in 1996 when the MCA Music Entertainment Group was renamed Universal Music Group.

It became the biggest music company in the world in May 2007 when it acquired BMG Music Publishing in May 2007.
 
Music plays a big role in Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, both in the build up to and during events and also crucially at ceremonies.  

The deal is the first occasion that an Olympic organising committee has signed such a wide-ranging deal with a music company.

London 2012 will retain creative control over use of music at the Games, the diverse nature of Universal Music Group’s labels and artists will provide a rich talent pool for the Games in 2012.
 
Chris Townsend, the London 2012 commercial director, said: "From playing music to build up the atmosphere before events, to soundtracks to film and of course music at ceremonies, there is a massive role for music at the Games.

"This innovative deal will ensure that we are able to utilise the huge expertise at Universal Music, as well as ensure we have experts working with us at every stage for the composition, recording and in some cases, sale of London 2012 music.

"I’m thrilled that we will be working with Universal Music over the next two-and-a-half years."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]