KKR Eyeing EMI Pub?

KKR EYEING EMI PUB? With I.B. Bad pondering EMI’s next move (see full story here), the N.Y. Post reports Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, the buyout firm which has a 51% stake in BMG Rights Management, may be offering embattled Terra Firma boss Guy Hands another lifeline. KKR is reportedly in talks to buy a stake in EMI Music Publishing, combining its BMG Rights operations into a separate entity that would be 51% controlled by EMI. Sources said Terra Firma is also in talks with others about selling a stake in its music publishing division. KKR and Terra Firma refused comment, but the deal could give EMI some more breathing room after locking down financing earlier this month that will take them through next year. KKR and BMG recently acquired Cherry Lane Music Publishing as part of a recent buying spree. (5/27p)