COMPANY TOWN ANNEX

Thorn EMI Seeking Hollywood Partner in Recording Business: The Sunday Times of London reported that the firm is considering a global alliance to prevent its music business from falling victim to a takeover after its planned spinoff next year. Company officials had no comment. On Friday, Thorn Chairman Sir Colin Southgate told shareholders at the firm’s annual meeting that the company will make a decision early next year on plans to split its music operations from its rental businesses. The newspaper said U.S. media companies could take a 29.9% stake in EMI. Potential partners include MCA Inc., DreamWorks SKG, Walt Disney Co., Bertelsmann’s BMG unit and Viacom Inc.