Major CD labels circle Czech musical heritage

Flick through the compact disc catalogue of Supraphon and it is easy to see why companies such as BMG and Warner Bros are interested in buying the Czech music label. In one swoop, they would acquire almost the entire Czech nation's musical heritage, not to mention attractive export opportunities thanks to Supraphon's world-famous classical repertoire. The other major music labels - Universal, Sony and EMI - are expected to express interest, too, once Supraphon's owner, Bonton Entertainment Group, starts the sale process this October. Rich Czech individuals, fascinated by Supraphon's cultural heritage, are also lining up, and the company's management is considering a buy-out. "Supraphon owns almost the entire output of the country for the last 50 years. I don't think any other music label in the world can boast that," says Mick Hawk, Bonton's chief executive. While the value of any deal would be small in monetary terms, Supraphon might cost up to $15m, it has huge significance. All Czech recordings of classical and pop made during four decades of Communism that ended in 1989, belong to Supraphon, the former regime's main music label.