As the European Commission prepares to rule on Universal Music Group’s $775 million acquisition of Downtown, concerns are growing across Europe — including in Belgium — about increasing concentration in the music industry. Belgian and European stakeholders fear that UMG’s expanding dominance could threaten artistic diversity, market fairness, and the sustainability of independent players. Several EU policymakers have begun raising red flags, urging close scrutiny from regulators.

Important updates on the UMG/Downtown case – Amplify these developments!

Wednesday 16 April
Pressure increases on Universal Music Group’s $775 million acquisition of Downtown as MEP Aurore Lalucq raises alarms about UMG’s “unprecedented control” over the music ecosystem. Complete Music Update highlights her written question to the European Commission and other key developments.
Direct source: here

Tuesday 15 April
Ruth Barlow (AIM & Beggars Group) publishes a powerful opinion in Music Business Worldwide, warning that UMG’s growing dominance poses an existential threat to artistic diversity, fair competition, and the future of music.
Direct source: here

Friday 11 April
MEP Aurore Lalucq, Chair of the European Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, formally questions the European Commission regarding UMG’s takeover of Downtown.
Direct source: here
Also see MLex’s coverage: here