Former Beatles manager dies

The music entrepreneur has passed away, aged 77...

10:15 06 July 2009

Former Beatles manager Allen Klein has died, aged 77.

Klein, who looked after the fab four's finances during their split, died at his home in New York after years of suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

In his career, which spanned more than 50 years, the music businessman was famed for being ruthless. His company, ABKCO Music & Records, is one of the biggest independent labels in the world.

Klein however was blamed by many for contributing to the break up of the Beatles, after the decision to hire him in 1969 led to conflict within the group.

But during his time with them, he did secure re-negotiations between Apple Corps Ltd and EMI in which was, at the time, the largest ever royalty rate paid to an artist.

Klein also represented the Rolling Stones for five years but their relationship ended in the court rooms after he bought the rights to some of the group's biggest hits.

He is survived by his partner, Iris Keitel, his estranged wife Betty, three children, four grandchildren and a sister.