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UMG-Downtown deal needs in-depth EU review, Fletcher says

By Andrew Boyce and Lewis Crofts ( June 13, 2025, 13:32 GMT | Insight) -- Universal Music Group’s takeover of Downtown Music has prompted concerns from former competition regulator Amelia Fletcher, who is also a musician and record label co-founder. In a letter to the EU's competition boss, seen by MLex, Fletcher said the $775 million deal risked stifling musicians' access to independent services, and further strengthening the major labels' negotiating position with streaming services, to the harm of independents. The European Commission is set to scrutinize the transaction following requests from the Netherlands and Austria.Universal Music Group’s takeover of Downtown Music needs “in-depth” EU scrutiny over concerns it would stifle artists’ access to independent services and further tip the streaming market in its favor, according to former regulator, musician and independent label founder Amelia Fletcher....

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