Queen are the latest iconic rock group to leave major label EMI. The band have been signed to the UK label for 40 years but have now signed a new deal with Universal Music Group, who will reissue all 15 of their studio albums.

The first five of these records, 'Queen', 'Queen II', 'Sheer Heart Attack', 'A Night At The Opera' and 'A Day At The Races' are due for re-release in March of next year. Each one will be re-mastered and repackaged with additional bonus material. The remaining ten albums will follow throughout 2011.

Guitarist Brian May revealed, "We are very excited, after all this time, to be embarking on a new phase of our career - with a new record company - with new ideas, and new dreams."

Queen follow in the footsteps of The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd, who also parted ways with EMI after disagreements with the label.

Elsewhere, a biopic of the late great Freddie Mercury is currently in the early stages of production with Borat actor and comedian Sacha Baron Cohen lined up to play the Queen singer.