European Commission approves Sony BMG merger
The European Commission has cleared the Sony and BMG merger without conditions, with Andrew Lack to lead the new company from New York and Rolf Schmidt-Holtz as chairman.…
European Commission
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Sony BMG job cut reports dismissed as speculation
Sony and BMG call Financial Times reports of a 25% post-merger job cut speculation, as the European Commission is expected to rule on the merger.…
Industry lobbies European Commission to extend recording copyright
Artists and labels are petitioning the European Commission to extend recorded music copyright, which currently lasts 50 years, to match the 70 years for books and sheet music.…
BMG Sony merger will be personal coup for Lack
Analysts say a reported European Commission approval of the Sony BMG merger would be a career-defining achievement for Sony boss Andrew Lack, though his working relationship with BMG's Clive Davis is uncertain.…
Europe retail group call for clearer royalty systems
European music retail body GERA is urging copyright collecting societies to become more transparent so that online music services can establish themselves across Europe.…
Reports say Sony BMG merger will get green light
Media reports suggest European competition commissioner Mario Monti will approve the Sony BMG merger, with the Commission's decision deadline set for 22 Jul.…
Bronfman airs concerns re Sony BMG merger
Warner Music boss Edgar Bronfman Jr has warned that a Sony BMG merger could create a dangerous duopoly, as the European Commission examines the deal.…
Apple join the indies against the Sony BMG merger
Apple and independent trade body IMPALA both spoke against the Sony BMG merger at a European Commission hearing, with a final decision due by 22 July.…
Further information on European concerns over Sony BMG merger
A 51-page European Commission statement of objections says CD pricing is kept artificially high by major label dominance, which a merger would worsen.…
IMPALA not convinced BMG or Sony can overcome EU concerns to merger
Independent trade body IMPALA has welcomed the European Commission's objections to the proposed Sony BMG merger and says the majors will struggle to address them.…
EU push back merger hearing
The European Commission's public hearing on the proposed BMG Sony merger has been moved back a week to 14 and 15 June, with pan-European independents body IMPALA expected to speak against it.…
Sony BMG merger - less likely?
Industry insiders now put the chances of the Sony BMG merger going ahead at 50-50, down from 70%, amid reported European Commission concerns or BMG executives going cold on the idea.…