IMPALA has responded to Warner Music Group (WMG)’s acquisition of Zebralution Music, saying the deal recognizes the German distributor’s achievements but adds to consolidation in the independent music sector.
The coalition said it hopes the acquisition will increase competition among major music companies. It asked Warner to let Zebralution clients move promptly if they wish to remain independent and to give those who stay the same access to remuneration and promotional tools as Warner artists.
IMPALA also called for continued industry collaboration on streaming integrity and action on diversity and other measures in its Digital Music Plan. Addressing European Union (EU) policymakers, it urged a sector-specific approach as the EU reviews copyright, artificial intelligence (AI) and competition policies and works to implement its Cultural Compass.
Zebralution was divested by WMG in 2017 after ten years under its ownership. An independent consortium of co-founders and other independent music executives acquired it in April 2017, before German collecting society GEMA bought it in December 2019.
Earlier this year, GEMA sold all of Zebralution to Insight Partners, merging it into Bookwire. WMG has now bought back the Zebralution Music arm, while Bookwire retains the audiobook and ebook division.
