Citibank lining up suitors for EMI

It's a scene that will be played out many times this week - single people finding themselves suddenly being forced to meet others, chosen by their mothers or friends. Others who would "be perfect for you", who "has so much in common with you". Others who, clearly, they want you to hook up with. Whether you want to or not. Because, from your family and friends' point of view, any partnership is better than nothing.

It's happening to Guy Hands, too, with Citibank pushing Terra Firma in the direction of other companies, hinting that their money could be a great fit for EMI, and suggesting that the pair really should talk:

It has approached two private equity firms, Warburg Pincus in the US and EQT in Sweden, and the door is also open to Warner Music, which has long been viewed as a buyer of EMI, despite regulatory obstacles.

Failing that, Mrs Williams' son is back from university. He's studying to be a doctor. You could do a lot worse, EMI. You could do a lot worse.

Citigroup is starting to panic that EMI is going to default, which would leave them trying to run a record label. Hence the panic to find a suitor before that happens. Clocks are ticking.