COMPANY·HISTORIES
NAIC 334612

Prerecorded Compact Disc (except Software), Tape, and Record Reproducing

How the companies in this industry began, and the forces that shaped them.

14companies1947–2001founding years10still active4no longer operating
§ 01

The industry over time

Companies foundedEconomyTechnologyEnvironment
FoundedPioneer Electronic CorporationFoundedPioneer Electronic Corporation
1947
TechnologyThe transistor is invented at Bell Labs.
1956
EconomyThe Interstate Highway program remakes commerce.
1958
TechnologyThe integrated circuit is demonstrated.
FoundedHaynes Publishing Group P.L.C.FoundedHaynes Publishing Group P.L.C.
1960
1962
EnvironmentSilent Spring launches the modern environmental movement.
1970
EnvironmentThe EPA is founded; environmental regulation expands.
FoundedAEI Music Network Inc.FoundedAEI Music Network Inc.
1971
EconomyThe dollar leaves the gold standard; Nasdaq opens.
1973
EconomyThe OPEC oil embargo triggers a global shock.
1975
TechnologyThe personal-computer era begins with the Altair.
FoundedRhino Entertainment CompanyFoundedRhino Entertainment Company
1977
1979
EconomyA second oil crisis drives inflation higher.
1981
TechnologyThe IBM PC launches and sets a standard.
FoundedCarlton Communications PLCFoundedCarlton Communications PLC
1983
1984
TechnologyApple ships the Macintosh; the GUI era begins.
FoundedMetatec International, Inc.FoundedMetatec International, Inc.
1985
1987
EconomyBlack Monday: markets fall 22% in a single day.
1991
TechnologyThe World Wide Web is released to the public.
TechnologyLinux and open source begin to challenge proprietary software.
1993
TechnologyThe Mosaic browser brings the web to everyone.
1995
TechnologyWindows 95 launches; the internet goes mainstream.
1997
EconomyThe Asian financial crisis rattles global markets.
EnvironmentThe Kyoto Protocol sets the first climate targets.
1998
TechnologyUS v. Microsoft antitrust trial reshapes software.
2000
EconomyThe dot-com bubble bursts.
FoundedAOL Time Warner Inc.FoundedAOL Time Warner Inc.
2001
EconomyThe September 11 attacks; a recession follows.
2004
TechnologySocial media and Web 2.0 begin to take hold.
2007
TechnologyThe iPhone launches the smartphone era.
2008
EconomyThe global financial crisis freezes credit.
2010
TechnologyCloud computing goes mainstream for business.
2015
EnvironmentThe Paris Agreement sets global climate targets.
2020
EconomyThe COVID-19 pandemic upends the global economy.
2022
EconomyInflation spikes; central banks raise rates sharply.
2023
TechnologyGenerative AI reaches mainstream business use.
§ 02

The companies

Pioneer Electronic Corporation →
Active · founded 1947 · Japan
Pioneer Electronic Corporation is one of the leading electronics firms in the world.
Pioneer Electronic Corporation →
Active · founded 1947 · Japan
Pioneer Electronic Corporation is one of the leading electronics firms in the world.
Haynes Publishing Group P.L.C. →
Active · founded 1960 · United Kingdom
Haynes Publishing Group P.L.C.
Haynes Publishing Group P.L.C. →
Active · founded 1960 · United Kingdom
Haynes Publishing Group P.L.C.
AEI Music Network Inc. →
Active · founded 1971
AEI Music Network Inc.
AEI Music Network Inc. →
Active · founded 1971
AEI Music Network Inc.
Rhino Entertainment Company →
Active · founded 1977
Rhino Entertainment Company produces novelty records, archival reissues, definitive musical anthologies, and various…
Rhino Entertainment Company →
Active · founded 1977
Rhino Entertainment Company produces novelty records, archival reissues, definitive musical anthologies, and various…
Carlton Communications PLC →
Defunct · founded 1983 · United Kingdom
Carlton Communications PLC has thrived for more than a decade in the cramped, highly regulated waters of the British…
Carlton Communications PLC →
Defunct · founded 1983 · United Kingdom
Carlton Communications PLC has thrived for more than a decade in the cramped, highly regulated waters of the British…
Metatec International, Inc. →
Active · founded 1985
Metatec International, Inc.
Metatec International, Inc. →
Active · founded 1985
Metatec International, Inc.
AOL Time Warner Inc. →
Defunct · founded 2001
Global media powerhouse AOL Time Warner Inc.
AOL Time Warner Inc. →
Defunct · founded 2001
Global media powerhouse AOL Time Warner Inc.
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