Merlin Board Meeting Votes Unanimously To Continue Opposition to Universal/EMI Merger Proposal

A meeting of Merlin's board yesterday voted unanimously to continue its opposition to the proposed purchase of EMI by Universal.Merlin, the global digital rights agency representing independent rights owners, has opposed Universal's proposed acquisition of EMI from the outset in its submissions to the EC, arguing that it would severely threaten the development of the digital music business."In a market already hampered by Universal's exploitation of its market leading position, this proposed acquisition could only serve to damagethe digital ecosystem, not only for our members,  but also for potentialinvestors and consumers.The Merlin Board's latest decision underlines that we remain committed to our belief that the proposed deal would put even more power in the hands of the company already most likely to try and shape music services to its own advantage and would severely damage the digital music market just as it approaches the crucial tipping point where digital takes over from physical.  We trust and believe that the European Union and U.S. regulators reviewing this transaction understand the devastating impact this transaction would have on the digital music market and will act accordingly." said Charles Caldas, CEO of Merlin.About Merlin:Merlin is the global rights agency representing the world's most significant set of independent music companies.  Merlin commenced operations in May 2008. Since then it has struck deals with a large number of digital services including Spotify, YouTube, Google Music, Rdio and Simfy and reached a number of copyright infringement settlements on behalf of its members with amongst others Limewire, XM Satellite Radio and Grooveshark. Merlin acts to ensure its members have effective access to new and emerging revenue streams and that their rights are appropriately valued and protected.The Merlin board list is available at:  http://www.merlinnetwork.org/board/