RE_BIMAbe1065

The European Commission’s preliminary findings confirm that UMG’s proposed acquisition of Downtown raises serious risks for competition in Europe’s digital music market. IMPALA welcomes these conclusions and warns that the concerns go far beyond data issues, threatening market balance and cultural diversity. IMPALA and the independent sector are calling for strong regulatory action.

IMPALA has released its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting a year rich in initiatives supporting the independent music community across Europe.

Key highlights include:

• The launch of a new EU co-funded programme aimed at strengthening collaboration between independent labels and artists across borders.
• The creation of the Weidenmüller Sustainability Fund, supporting independent labels in their ecological transition.
• The start of the Artist Camp, a European initiative designed to empower independent artists through training and exchange opportunities.

The report also showcases the work of IMPALA’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) task force, and celebrates the 2025 Changemaker Award granted to MEWEM, a mentoring programme for women, trans and non-binary professionals in the music industry.

IMPALA reiterates its commitment to tackling structural challenges in the sector, including opposing excessive market concentration and advocating for fairer remuneration models in music streaming.

“We continue to ensure that independents can grow through smart fiscal incentives. As we defend vital routes to market amid the EU’s investigation of the UMG/Downtown case, IMPALA’s EU programme helps strengthen the sector by fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and supporting strategic growth »
IMPALA TREASURER, GEERT DE BLAERE
BOARD MEMBER OF BELGIAN ASSOCIATION BIMA

The report reflects an independent music sector that is dynamic, united, and focused on building a sustainable, inclusive, and innovative future.

• More than 100 business leaders and artist groups from across the independent music community have made fresh appeals to the European Commission on why the deal should be blocked.
• Representatives from 20 countries, business leaders and artist groups have shared personal accounts to illustrate the threat this deal poses to their individual businesses
• « 100 Voices » is a snapshot of the reason why those affected believe the deal should be blocked, adding further weight to over 200 business leaders who signed a joint letter in July, calling for an in-depth investigation into the acquisition.
• Publication follows a meeting held on Thursday with the European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Valdis Dombrovskis, and independent music label CEOs and founders outlining their opposition to the deal.

Independent music leaders today published 100 Voices, a campaign with a clear message -Universal Music Group’s proposed acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings should be blocked.

The campaign site (www.blockthedeal.com) and publication showcase personal accounts from more than 100 business leaders in 20 countries, warning that the deal poses a serious threat to competition, diversity and fair access across the music industry.

Downtown Music Holdings operates a number of platforms and services that are relied upon by the independent music community, including world-leading distribution platforms FUGA and CD Baby, one of the world’s biggest royalty accounting services, Curve, and one of the largest independent publishing administration services, Songtrust, among others.

The publication was delivered yesterday in person to the European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Valdis Dombrovskis, where independent label founders and CEOs set out their case against the merger. The European Commission is currently conducting a Phase 2 investigation led by Dombrovskis. A final decision was set for December, but the deadline has now slipped into next year with the exact date still to be confirmed.

Martin Mills, Founder and Chairman, Beggars said: “We are now operating in an industry increasingly shaped by global corporations, whose dominance over digital infrastructure effects everything from artist visibility to revenue. This ongoing consolidation amounts to a systematic weakening of the independent sector’s ability to compete on fair terms.”

Bruno Roze, Founder/Artistic Director, I Love You Records said: “If Downtown’s services fall under UMG’s control, we fear higher costs, reduced access, and the loss of independence that small labels like ours need to survive. This deal risks creating a music ecosystem where one corporation controls too much of the infrastructure, leaving less room for diversity, innovation, and fair competition. For the long-term health of independent music, it should be blocked.”

Nacho García Vega, President, International Artist Organisation (the umbrella association representing featured artists’ rights) said: “Artists rely on a pluralistic infrastructure that reflects diversity in both ownership and access. Allowing UMG to consolidate control over a major independent player would move the industry further toward a two-tier system, where market dominance—not creative merit—determines visibility and success.”

Francesca Trainini, Vice President, PMI Italia said:“This is a crucial moment for the future of Europe’s music landscape. The Commission’s intervention shows these concerns are being taken seriously. The risks of reinforcing the leader and losing a big competitor are clearer today than ever before. Remedies would be ineffective in today’s music market. We trust the Commission will take the necessary steps to protect competition, access, and diversity across the sector.”

Birte Wiemann, Project Manager, Cargo Records Germany said: “When unchecked growth disrupts an ecosystem, diversity suffers. If UMG acquires Downtown, entire independent structures are absorbed, giving UMG new power over DSPs and data that weakens independents. The result is less diversity, morehomogenised output, and a cultural niche increasingly sidelined.”

Business leaders have already spoken out about the deal. In July, an open letterwas signed by over 200 founders, CEOs and business leaders at independent music companies and trade associations, alongside a further call from the European Composer Songwriter Alliance. Other groups have also raised concerns including managers, featured artists and independent publishers.

100 Voices showcases a sample of those who object, expressing in their own words why they believe the deal should be blocked. Independent music companies,artists and any other concerned groups who agree that the European Commission should block the deal are welcome to share their experiences and add their voice.

The Belgian Independent Music Association (BIMA) is pleased to represent its members at WINCON 2025, the Worldwide Independent Network’s annual global conference, taking place on October 15–16, 2025, in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Organised by WIN in partnership with ANMIP-BG and hosted by the SoAlive Music Conference, this 10th anniversary edition will bring together independent music leaders from over 40 countries to discuss key issues shaping the future of the global independent sector — including streaming, AI licensing, fair competition, and support for emerging artists and trade associations.

By attending WINCON 2025, BIMA reinforces its commitment to representing and promoting the interests of the Belgian independent music community at the international level, while contributing to collective efforts to build a fairer and more sustainable music ecosystem.

BIMA is honoured to take part in this milestone event alongside its international peers and partners within the global independent network.