THE projected de-merger of the £7.2 billion sterling Thorn EMI group is to take place in the summer following receipt of necessary tax and regulatory clearances.

Sir Colin Southgate, chairman, confirmed the de-merger plans in, comment on strong third quarter results showing 22.7 per cent profit, growth to £310 million.

The de-merger will be achieved through distribution of shares by, way of dividend in the Thorn non-music retail interests. Annual profits are expected to be around £200 million earned on £1.5 billion turnover and Thorn is tipped to be valued at around £1.8 billion.

The continuing Thorn EMI will be renamed the EMI Group. Analysts are projecting EMI Group 1995-96 profits of £350 million earned on £2.7 billion turnover. The business is expected to be valued at around £5.8 billion.