Apple Signs Indie Music Labels In Europe
Apple Computer Inc. on Wednesday said it has signed licensing agreements with three of the largest European independent music labels.
Under the deal, Apple will sell through its iTunes Music Store music from Beggars Group, Sanctuary Records Group and V2. The agreement means music from artists such as the Pixies, Morrissey, Stereophonics and The White Stripes will be available through Apple in Europe.
Apple chief executive Steve Jobs said in a statement that the company was "thrilled" to sign the three labels and said it plans "to add many more independent labels soon."
The deal should help Apple in its effort to prove its iTunes store can be as successful in Europe as in the United States, where the company has reported more than 100 million downloads. Apple launched the service in Europe last month, but has face some difficult negotiations with record companies.
Nevertheless, Apple has said it sold more than 800,000 songs during its first week of operations in the United Kingdom, France and Germany.
(Source: http://www.internetweek.com/allStories/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=23904834)
