Castle Communications PLC

British record / home video distribution company operating under this name from 22 November 1985 to 25 July 1995, and again from 11 August 1995 to 20 November 1998. Founded as Jon Beecher.

Name variants:
- Castle Communications PLC
- Castle Communications Plc.
- Castle Communications plc
- Castle Communication PLC

Principal activities: Acquiring & exploiting music & video rights, including the release of its own branded products.

Starting out as a mid-price catalog reissue specialist, with labels including - Castle Music, the company grew into the largest European owner of repertoire outside the major record companies. Its video imprint was called Castle Vision.

In the 1980s they were notable for releasing many heavy metal compilations albums under the series name Metal Killers. Interest in these licensed releases led them to form their own heavy metal imprint Raw Power, to sign and promote new rock acts, rather than to just license older product from other more established labels. The first g to the Raw Power label was the NWOBHM act Hell's Belles, releasing their debut album and single in 1985. After several years, the Raw Power imprint was retired with the waning of heavy metal's popularity in the UK.

During 1988 acquired Hendring Ltd., a music video company, and Independent Video Services Ltd., video sales and distribution company (renamed Castle Home Video Ltd.). Launched Masterpiece Music Productions Ltd and Target International Pictures Ltd., a film distributor and sales agent.

On 8 September 1994 the whole share capital of Castle Communications PLC is acquired by AEC Holdings (UK) Ltd., a subsidiary of American music distributor Castle Music.

Castle Music Ltd. is acquired by The Sanctuary Group Plc in May 2000 and is subsequently renamed Castle Communications Deutschland GmbH.