Essential Switch Distribution to €Multi-Billion Gem Logistics
The Birth of a New and Truly Independent Force in the MarketplaceEstablished Software and DVD Outfit, Gem, Making their Mark in MusicNew Releases from Steve Earle, Funeral From a Friend and Bashy 18th January 2011:- Independent sales & marketing company Essential Music & Marketing are moving their physical distribution to Gem Logistics, forging a partnership of shared ambitions and superior practice. Their partnership will provide a truly independent alternative for labels and artists demanding state-of-the art distribution and services, backed up by Essential's in-house sales force.Essential are parting ways with the Warner-owned Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA), and their logistics partner Cinram. By moving out of the ADA fold, Essential will see their chart successes listed under their own name rather than ADA's. Major releases in the coming months from Essential include new albums from Steve Earle, Funeral for a Friend, and Bashy: plenty for Gem to be getting their teeth into. Essential will continue to handle its own digital distribution.Gem Logistics, a leader in Video Games and DVD distribution, already manages titles that ship in excess of 1 million units per title and is making a major commitment to the music market. Essential, a company accustomed to seeing its titles commanding space in the top 10, will raise Gem's music credentials to a similar level.Gem's software clients include Ubisoft (Assassin's Creed), Take 2 (Grand Theft Auto) and Codemasters (F1). DVD publishers include the likes of Simply Home Entertainment and IMC Vision. After a £13 million investment, Gem opened their newly built 250,000 Sq Ft warehouse in Northamptonshire in August of last year.Gem offers state-of-the-art warehousing systems, run by a young, ambitious, focused team, able to accommodate all of Essential's UK and international distribution through one facility. Gem is a company moving increasingly into the independent music sector and they offer the crucial reassurance of being owned by the profitable €6.7 billion DCC Plc Group.Mike Chadwick, Essential Founder and MD, said "Gem's ambitions for growth is impressive. Their facilities are truly state of the art and they are financially sound - a great combination. We were really impressed by their enthusiastic team and their IT was just what we were looking for. It's a very exciting time for both companies and we're looking forward to creating a major new player in the Independent music sector ."Lance Meade, Essential Sales Manager, added, "Gem were the dark-horse in our six-month-long search for the right logistics partner. Gem's facilities in particular really impressed us. We've seen a lot of warehouses, but Gem's really is second to none."Matthew Allen, Gem Logistics General Manager, said "We were likewise impressed by Esssential's plans for growth and are looking forward to growing with them - they represent some great bands and artists which will complement our existing business. Essential is the perfect company for us to be working with as we seek to grow market share within the music channel; we will become a credible alternative to the existing incumbents, and the signing of Essential is testament to our plans and vision for the future. We are talking to a number of other potential music partners and hope to make further announcements soon."About Essential Music & MarketingEssential Music & Marketing has been redefining the roles of distributor and record label since its inception in 2003 by Mike Chadwick, former MD Vital Distribution and Martin Goldschmidt, owner of Cooking Vinyl Records.Essential is part of the Cooking Vinyl group, which comprises of Cooking Vinyl Records, Essential Music & Marketing and Cooking Vinyl Music Publishing, which is run by Paul Kinder, a former director at Chrysalis.www.essential-music.comAbout Gem LogisticsGem Logistics is a trading division of Gem Distribution Ltd and provides logistical services to the Video Games, CD and DVD markets. An independent logistics and distribution company within the entertainment industry, Gem Logistics has grown considerably, especially through its strong partnership program. In addition to continuing to partner with several high-profile blue-chip companies, Gem Logistics has also confirmed its presence within the DVD and Toy markets by partnering with independent companies. Gem Distribution Ltd is owned by DCC Plc, the €6.7 Billion T/O business based in Dublin.www.gemlogistics.co.uk