Albums from Avril Lavigne, Mark Ronson and Kings Of Leon have given the Columbia Label Group the top three positions in the UK album chart which was announced today. This is the first time one company has managed the three top spots for over ten years.

Avril Lavigne's new album The Best Damn Thing debuted at No.1, selling 60,707 copies. Mark Ronson's debut album Version entered at No.2, selling 45,158 copies, and The Kings Of Leon's album Because Of The Times occupies the No.3 position after spending the two previous weeks in the top spot, selling a further 26,952 copies. The three albums also take the three top spots in the download chart.

Mike Smith, Managing Director of Columbia Label Group, has hailed the achievement as a major milestone in the growth of the Label Group, which Sony BMG re-launched with the Columbia name last year: "I am thrilled with the album charts this week which puts Columbia firmly at the forefront of the UK music industry. It is a testament to the great artists we are working with and to the talent and hard work of everyone at Columbia and Sony BMG UK. Mark Ronson was one of the first signings to the relaunched Columbia and we are determined to break him as a global artist this year. Coming hot on the heels of a platinum album from The View and great set up on Calvin Harris it shows the commitment we are making to new music at the label."

Sony BMG's RCA Label Group were also celebrating having the No.1 single with Beyonce and Shakira's Beautiful Liar, as well as the No.1 spot on the Music DVD chart with the Pink Live From Wembley Arena title. Sony BMG have four of the top ten and seven of the top 20 in the Singles chart, and four of the top ten album positions.

"I'm delighted for Mike and the Columbia team" says Ged Doherty, Chairman and CEO, Sony BMG, UK & Ireland. "Changes made to the Company last year now are now coming to fruition. It's also worth noting that the top three albums are all from different genres showing the strength of the Columbia roster. But we have a strong release schedule across the whole company and are in good shape to meet the challenges I set the company for the year."