The Rolling Stones have now left EMI Music for rival Universal Music Group, according to announcements issued Friday.  The three-album Universal deal also includes access to the venerable Stones catalog, though publishing assets remain with EMI.  Additionally, the deal does not include ultra-lucrative touring, easily the crown jewel of the modern-day Stones operation. 

The deal, termed by Mick Jagger as an "exclusive, long- term, worldwide recording agreement," involves a $15 million advance, according to terms reported by the New York Times.  Universal, which previously controlled pre-1971 recordings, now retains access to the entire recording catalog.

The development represents a mostly symbolic setback for EMI, largely because the Stones are only modest sellers of recordings.  In the end, EMI Group chairman Guy Hands was probably unwilling to strike an unfavorable renewal deal, despite the expected publicity fallout.