From the MCRFB news archive: 1963
One Million Pre-Sales Prior November 29 in England
HOLLYWOOD — Capitol Records here in the United States has completed negotiations with EMI for exclusive distribution of future recordings by the Beatles, internationally known (Europe) British rock and roll group.
The British band is coming to the U.S. for television appearances in 1964 and Capitol will release the single, “I Want To Hold Your Hand,” in mid-January. This single was originally released in England on November 29 and had over one million pre-sales orders, EMI Music claims. END.
(Information and news source: Billboard; December 14, 1963).