Music Business News: Europe

Music agent Steve Strange dies aged 53

Strange co-founded X-ray Touring in 2005

Shelter Music Group expands into the UK via partnership with artist management company AYITA

Deal will effectively launch BMG’s entrance into artist management in the UK, with AYITA becoming a division of Shelter Music Group

Natasha Baldwin promoted to EVP, Classics and Screen at Universal Music Publishing Group

Baldwin is responsible for leading UMPG’s global classical and screen composer businesses.

Marie-Anne Robert appointed Managing Director of Sony Music France

Robert will oversee all operations, marketing, signings and acquisitions in the country

UK government takes no legislative action following major-bashing report into music industry’s streaming economics

Boris Johnson's government releases official response – and is (so far) not taking any hard action against the business

$117m fund launches in Europe to buy catalogs of local legends

First catalog acquired contains approximately 30,000 copyrights and 6,500 master recordings

BMG backs Credits Due campaign for songwriters launched by ABBA’s Bjorn Ulvaeus

BMG is the first international music company to commit to the campaign.

Thanks Universal! Warner Music Group just got $1.9bn more valuable after UMG listing

UMG's share price closed at €25.10