Music Business News: Netherlands

EU pauses probe into Universal’s $775m Downtown deal

EC has reportedly 'stopped the clock' on the investigation as it awaits requested information

Downtown Music boss speaks out on UMG deal: ‘The debate must be honest. It must be about facts, not agendas.’

UMG’s Virgin Music Group revealed in December that it had agreed to buy Downtown LLC in a $775m deal, which is currently under Phase II investigation by the European Commission.

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Universal Music Group generated $3.38bn in Q2, up 4.5% YoY – driven by Morgan Wallen, timelesz, Lady Gaga

Universal's overall Recorded Music revenue for the second quarter of 2025 was €2.224 billion ($2.52bn), up 3.9% YoY at constant currency.

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Universal Music Group takes step closer to US listing, filing draft registration with SEC

The Dutch music company said it will not receive any proceeds from the planned US IPO.

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European Composer & Songwriter Alliance urges EU to block UMG’s acquisition of Downtown

The ECSA is an umbrella group of around 55 composer and songwriter associations in more than 25 European countries

Interviews

‘Music fans nowadays are so immersed in the online world, they can see what’s real and what’s manufactured.’

MBW's World Leaders series meets Niels Walboomers, President, Recorded Music and Publishing, Benelux, Warner Music Group, which includes powerhouse dance label Spinnin’ Records

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European competition regulators to make initial ruling on Universal’s $775m Downtown buyout by July 22

EU competition regulator sets July 22 deadline to make initial ruling

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FUGA makes first step into D2C commerce for artists and labels, in partnership with Shopify-backed Single

This is B2B music distributor FUGA's first foray into direct-to-consumer e-commerce