Reuters Photo: Meg White (L) and Jack White of The White Stripes perform in Los Angeles
In a move to stop a potential deal between Warner Music and EMI Group, Europe's independent record labels have officially lodged a complaint in opposition.
Imapala, the indie music trade group, is the force behind the battle. They are still working to dismantle the 2004 merger of Sony Music and BMG, with the case being decided in the European Court of First Instance.
Impala, which represents approximately 2,500 members, has fought the consolidation of the industry on the grounds that it radically reduces the choice of consumers and cultural diversity.
Hein van der Ree, managing director of Epitaph Europe, an Impala member said, "If three companies have a market share of 75 percent, they can effectively dictate their terms to 100 percent of the marketplace, I don't see how that can be acceptable to anyone interested in ensuring market access to all players, large and small."
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