Virgin Music Group has completed its acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings, signaling a move toward a global, end-to-end platform for independent artists, entrepreneurs, and rights holders.

The merger is approved with conditions, including the divestment of a sensitive royalty accounting platform to address data and competition concerns.

Executives Nat Pastor and JT Myers say the deal strengthens offerings for independent creators while preserving the strengths of both organizations.

European competition officials, led by IMPALA and regulators, raised concerns about market power concentration and the lengthy review, while acknowledging the regulator’s diligence in protecting competition.

Brussels warned the deal could give UMG access to rival labels’ sensitive data, triggering an in-depth review and the required Curve divestment.

Market risk disclosures accompany the coverage, noting volatility in financial instruments and cryptocurrencies and urging due diligence.

The report sources the European Commission and frames the news within EU business and competition policy coverage.

Details on the exact assets to be divested or the compliance timeline were not provided in the excerpt.

No further substantive information is given about the divestment assets or schedule in the supplied material.

EU competition considerations noted a landscape that includes Sony Music, Warner, and independent firms like Believe, Distrokid, IDOL, Kontor, and ONErpm.

Impala, representing Europe’s independents, opposed the sale, arguing Universal is already the dominant player.

Indie trade bodies IMPALA and AIM warn that UMG’s acquisitions could gatekeep access and consolidate control across publishing, recording, distribution, and royalty accounting.