Brochure
Philips’ illustrious recording history began in 1942 with the
acquisition of Hollandsche Decca Distributie (HDD), exclusive
distributor of Decca Records and a gramophone producer.
By 1950, the company’s record production and recording
businesses were consolidated under Philips Phonograsche
Industrie (PPI).
PPI played a signicant role by introducing the long-playing
vinyl (LP) record to Europe. In 1962, PPI merged with
Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft (DGG) – owner of
Polydor Records – to form GPG, the largest record company
in Europe. In 1972, GPG became PolyGram and Polydor
Records and acquired renowned American and British
labels, including MGM Records and Decca. The 70s disco
craze marked Polygram’s peak, thanks to multi-million selling
records and soundtracks.
For a time, it was the world’s biggest record company,
bolstered by acquisitions of famous labels including Motown.
In 1998, it was sold to Seagram to become Universal Music.
Today, reissues of music under Polydor Records keeps this
legend alive.
Philips Phonograsche Industrie (PPI) and gramophone records, 1950s.
Making tracks in recording history