Thorn EMI was a major British company involved in consumer electronics, music, defence and retail. It was created in October 1979 when THORN Electrical Industries merged with EMI to form one of the largest operating companies in the United Kingdom. Owned Ferguson Radio Corporation for production of TV's, radios etc. under name Thorn EMI Ferguson; ceased UK production in 1992 but brand continued into 1990s. On August 16, 1996, Thorn EMI shareholders voted in favour of demerger proposals. The company became EMI Group plc, and the electronics and rentals divisions were divested as Thorn plc and the company was acquired by Future Rentals, a subsidiary of Nomura Group in 1998.