Independent music labels in the United Kingdom have called for the Universal Music Group to be investigated for anti-competitive acts in their domination of the music industry. Currently, 55% of artists topping the charts in the UK are signed to the label or one of its many subsidiaries.

The action was precipitated by the label’s acquisition of the UK arm of V2 Records, giving it control of artists like Bloc Party, The Black Lips and the catalogues of bands like At the Drive-In, Blood Brothers, Gang of Four and others. The label was purchased from Richard Branson for £7 million.

The instigators of the suit, The Association of Independent Music, has members of Ninja Tune Records, Beggars Group, Cooking Vinyl, Cherry Red and others on the board and is a non-profit representing independent labels in the UK.
Source Independent music labels in the United Kingdom have called for the Universal Music Group to be investigated for anti-competitive acts in their domination of the music industry. Currently, 55% of artists topping the charts in the UK are signed to the label or one of its many subsidiaries.

The action was precipitated by the label’s acquisition of the UK arm of V2 Records, giving it control of artists like Bloc Party, The Black Lips and the catalogues of bands like At the Drive-In, Blood Brothers, Gang of Four and others. The label was purchased from Richard Branson for £7 million.

The instigators of the suit, The Association of Independent Music, has members of Ninja Tune Records, Beggars Group, Cooking Vinyl, Cherry Red and others on the board and is a non-profit representing independent labels in the UK.
Source