Hilco takes control of HMV HMV's estimated debt was about £176m, but Hilco is believed to have paid much less than this to acquire it from the retailer's lenders, Lloyds Banking Group and Royal Bank of Scotland, because the retail chain is in administration. Reports earlier this week said Universal Music, Warner Music and Sony has thrown their support behind a Hilco takeover, with 20th Century Fox, Universal Studios and Warner Brothers also on the verge of backing the bid.