IMPALA has just shared a statement with DMN regarding Warner Music’s acquisition (or, re-acquisition) of Zebralution, raising concerns about the consolidation of the independent sector.
Yesterday, Warner Music Group (WMG) announced its acquisition of Zebralution, a leading independent German digital distributor, which has changed hands numerous times throughout its life. Now, independent music company coalition IMPALA has issued a response to the acquisition, noting that the sale underlines Zebralution’s incredible achievements while also furthering the consolidation trend that dilutes the independent sector.
“IMPALA has always said that big markets need big companies, and we hope this acquisition boosts competition among the majors. At the same time the consolidation trend continues, and that dilutes that independent sector.
“The deal underlines the incredible achievements of Zebralution, a direct member of IMPALA since it was divested from Warner as part of its agreement with IMPALA back when Warner bought Parlophone after UMG was forced to sell two-thirds of EMI to get EC clearance. That, in itself, is a success.
“However, the independent music sector has lost another part of its infrastructure and Europe, a part of its diversity. While labels and artists who consciously chose an independent distributor now find themselves within a major’s network. This reinforces the need for a strategic European approach for culture that recognizes the importance of independent infrastructure and ensures that cultural diversity is central to the development of EU policy. With this in mind, we have two messages:
“First, to Warner: Zebralution is a much-cherished independent business, and it was a fantastic divestment we collaborated on under our deal with Merlin. At the same time, if clients wish to remain independent, we look to you to allow them to move promptly. And for those who remain, we expect them to have level playing field access with all Warner artists in terms of remuneration and promotional tools.
“We point to our recommendations to the whole market in our digital music ecosystem. These are essential for a thriving market. We look forward to continuing our industry-wide collaboration on streaming integrity and also call for action on other aspects, such as diversity and making foundational changes in line with IMPALA’s Digital Music Plan.
“Second, to EU policymakers: cultural diversity is one of Europe’s greatest strengths, and independent labels and distributors are essential to it. They need the right conditions to grow and compete. With the EU reviewing key policies, including copyright, AI, and competition, and working towards implementing its Cultural Compass, we urge policymakers to ensure a sector-specific approach.
“As we have consistently said in other cases, it is difficult to reconcile the fact that a business divested to boost competition by strengthening the independent sector should be reacquired down the line. Targeted finance options are also essential to help build the next Zebralution. We must keep cultural diversity and smaller players at the heart of Europe’s approach and facilitate our growth and competitiveness. IMPALA’s Industry Plan sets out concrete proposals for a coherent, structured, and ambitious EU policy for culture.
“Let’s make Europe the best place in the world for culture,” IMPALA’s statement concluded.
Zebralution’s ownership history over the past decade has been tumultuous, having been divested by WMG in 2017 after ten years.
It was acquired by an independent consortium made of co-founders and other indie music heads in April 2017, and then switched hands to the German collection society GEMA in December 2019. Early this year, GEMA sold 100% of Zebralution to Insight Partners, merging it into Bookwire. Now, WMG has bought back the Zebralution Music arm, while Bookwire still retains the audiobook/ebook division.
