The Czech Republic-based classical label Supraphon has been acquired by Sony Classical, the latest in a series of takeovers that has seen Universal snag Hyperion, Bis sell-out to Apple and Naxos founder Klaus Heymann take the reins at Chandos.

Founded in 1932, Supraphon is one of the oldest music labels in Central Europe, known for encompassing a wide array of genres, from classical, rock, folk, jazz and spoken word. The company’s roots stretch back to 1927, when the Prague-based company, owned by Gustav Sušický, then retailing electrical appliances, radio sets and optical devices, began selling gramophones produced by the Dutch company Ultraphon . In 1929, Ultraphon’s Berlin branch office made an offer to Sušický to become an exclusive dealer for selling gramophone records.

Supraphon’s roster of internationally regarded classical artists including the Pavel Haas Quartet, Ivan Moravec and the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. The label has also been instrumental in preserving the cultural heritage of Czech music, promoting local artists and traditional Czech and Slovak songs that have become symbolic of the region’s identity.

“Supraphon is a cornerstone of Czech music heritage, with an invaluable catalog and a commitment to promoting Czech and...