![IMPALA Urges Regulatory Review of UMG's Complete [PIAS] Acquisition, Citing Market Dominance Concerns](/api/files/image/cm3kgo74700wavdxzyywebh0f/thumbnail.jpg)
IMPALA Urges Regulatory Review of UMG's Complete [PIAS] Acquisition, Citing Market Dominance Concerns
IMPALA is calling for regulatory investigation into Universal Music Group's (UMG) complete acquisition of [PIAS], citing concerns over market concentration in the music industry.
IMPALA white logo on black background
The acquisition, which saw UMG purchase the remaining 51% stake in [PIAS] after acquiring 49% in 2022, has led to [PIAS]'s exit from IMPALA. The organization argues this move further consolidates UMG's market power, contradicting previous European Commission principles that deemed UMG "already too big" during its EMI takeover.
Key concerns raised by IMPALA:
- Increased market concentration affecting independent labels
- UMG's growing influence across Europe and beyond
- Potential market disruption from major labels' consolidation efforts
- Impact on physical and digital distribution services
IMPALA's Executive Chair Helen Smith emphasized: "A share deal is one thing, this is something else," calling for regulators to investigate how UMG can expand its market share despite previous size concerns.
[PIAS] co-founder Kenny Gates will continue running the business under UMG, while co-founder Michel Lambot will pursue new ventures through his company, Emotions.
The regulatory response remains to be seen, particularly given that similar acquisitions, such as Sony Music's AWAL purchase, were ultimately approved despite initial scrutiny.