MUMBAI: The Disney Music Group and Universal Music Group (UMG) have entered into an international licensing agreement for Australia and New Zealand. Under its terms, the Disney Music Group has selected UMG to market and distribute in those countries the unique roster of artists affiliated with Hollywood Records and Walt Disney Records, and their catalogues.
The agreement was announced by Universal Music Group International Asia-Pacific Region president Max Hole, and Walt Disney Records president & EVP/GM Disney Music Group David Agnew.
It takes effect from 1 April, 2009 and covers both digital and physical rights.
Universal Music Group has an existing international licensing deal with the Disney Music Group for Asia and Canada, as well as a distribution arrangement in the United States. It also has a license agreement with Hollywood Records in South America.
According to IFPI, the international recording industry organisation, Universal Music Group released seven of 2008’s top 10 biggest-selling albums worldwide. The 2008 top 10 included Walt Disney Records’ High School Musical 3: Senior Year, after the first two soundtracks from Disney’s High School Musical franchise became the biggest- selling albums worldwide in 2006 and 2007.
Disney Music Group is home to artists including Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, Jesse McCartney, Rascal Flatts, Demi Lovato, Plain White Ts, Hannah Montana and the hugely successful High School Musical and Camp Rock soundtracks.
Hole said, “Disney artists and music create excitement wherever they go – and Australia and New Zealand are no exception. We’re pleased to partner with the Disney Music Group in yet another part of the world, and our teams there are looking forward to spreading the excitement even further.”
Agnew commented: “We are pleased to expand our excellent business relationship with Universal Music into Australia and New Zealand, and feel confident that we will do great things together. We are thankful to our colleagues at EMI for having successfully launched many of our artists and repertoire in Australia and New Zealand over the past three years, and wish them continued success.”
