Billboard.biz reported today that EMI will remain a member of the IFPI (press release here). The company's new ownership had threatened to drop out. On January 8, Billboard.biz reported that EMI had sent a conditional resignation letter which said EMI would drop out at the end of this month unless "discussions with the other major labels over the future structure and funding of the IFPI and the national industry bodies...lead to a solution that we are able to support."

EMI was said to have wanted a more cost-efficient, global trade group rather than pay dues to separate groups such as the RIAA and IFPI. The company's stance has resulted in some changes at the IFPI, though nothing but cost savings were mentioned. Said EMI Music international labels president Jean-Francois Cecillon,

We undertook to work with our colleagues in the other major labels and with [IFPI chairman/chief executive] John Kennedy on a cost saving plan for the IFPI and together we have been able to find solutions which we believe are achievable whilst maintaining what the IFPI does best in representing our industry.

Update: The Financial Times article has information from a source that said the IFPI receives half its funding from national trade groups "but EMI had been able to make a substantial cut to its direct contribution."