Universal Music Group has acquired Netherlands-based independent record company 8Ball Music.
Established in 2006, the “multidisciplinary record company” based in Hilversum represents artists such as Miss Montreal, Di-Rect, Davina Michelle, Dotan and Maan
8Ball Music is also active in live performances, management and events. It operates pop label 8Ball Music and the Dutch-language label Dino Music.
Universal Music Group has not confirmed or commented on the deal, although it has come to light following comments by European independent labels trade body IMPALA.
Following the recent UMG acquisition of PIAS and the proposed deal to buy Downtown, IMPALA has voiced its concerns about possible market concentration.
Helen Smith, IMPALA's executive chair, said: "It's credit to Tony [van de Berkt] and Floris [Janssen] that 8Ball Music is such a successful company. We thank them for all their support as members and on our board over the years. At the same time, we remain concerned that hardly a week goes by without another major acquisition making headlines. This is another reason why regulators need to hit pause on these acquisitions, as we set out in our detailed submission to key competition authorities last week. There comes a point where big is simply too big, and the scale can impact outcomes for a whole market. It’s time to put a stop to Universal’s juggernaut strategy."
The independent sector is also concerned about the new deals UMG is signing with DSPs.
Gee Davy, CEO of AIM and board member of IMPALA, added: "It’s time to pause 'Streaming 2.0' and properly assess how this impacts artists and labels outside of the few large corporations. Acquisitions like Downtown and 8Ball will only give an already hugely dominant market player more power to control streaming terms for the whole market. This is more ammunition in one single week for regulators to step in."
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