HMV has been acquired out of administration by Canadian retailer Sunrise Records, safeguarding the future of nearly 1,500 staff in the UK.
Sunrise, which is owned by Doug Putman, beat off competition from the likes of Mike Ashley for the stricken retailer and will acquire 100 stores across the UK.
However, 27 unprofitable stores will close with immediate effect, resulting in 455 redundancies.
Administrator KPMG will retain a further 122 employees at warehouse functions to assist in winding down operations.
"We are delighted to acquire the most iconic music and entertainment business in the UK and add nearly 1,500 employees to our growing team," Doug Putman said.
"By catering to music and entertainment lovers, we are incredibly excited about the opportunity to engage customers with a diverse range of physical format content and replicate our success in Canada.
"We know the physical media business is here to stay and we greatly appreciate all the support from the suppliers, landlords, employees and, most importantly, our customers," he added.
HMV became the first UK high street casualty after Christmas when its then owner Hilco called in corporate undertakers in December.
It was the second time HMV has collapsed in recent years, having filed for administration in 2013.
The likes of Poundworld, Toys'R'Us and Maplin all went bust last year amid brutal trading, while heavyweights Marks & Spencer and Debenhams announced plans to close hundreds of stores.
Several others - including Superdry, Carpetright and Card Factory - have all issued profit warnings.
"We are pleased to confirm this sale which, after a complex process, secures the continued trading of the majority of the business," said Will Wright, partner at KPMG and joint administrator.
"Our immediate concern is now to support those employees that have unfortunately been made redundant," he added.
HMV closed the last of its stores in the Republic of Ireland in 2016.
