Sony Music clinches deal with Warner Music Group

Mumbai, Dec 11 (IANS) Sony Music Entertainment India and Warner Music Group Wednesday announced a deal for the former to represent the latter's legendary recording artists' releases and labels in India, Sri Lanka and the other SAARC countries.

The Warner Music catalogue includes works by artists like Eric Clapton, The Eagles, Green Day, Pink Floyd, The Doors, Madonna, Coldplay, Led Zeppelin, Linkin Park, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kylie Minogue and Bruno Mars.

Its stable of labels also has names like Asylum, Atlantic, Big Beat, Elektra, Erato, Fueled By Ramen, Warner Bros., Warner Classics, Warner Music Nashville and Word.

"We are delighted to represent Warner's music catalogue for the Indian and SAARC market. This is one of the fastest growing and exciting music markets in the world and India in particular has huge digital market opportunities," Denis Handlin, chairman and CEO (Australia and New Zealand) and president (Asia), Sony Music, said in a statement.

"We have great plans to ensure that Warner Music's remarkable catalogue reaches out to the vast array of existing and emerging music fans in that region," he added.

Shridhar Subramaniam, president (India and Middle East), Sony Music, said that with the "combined strength" of the two companies' music, "we are well positioned to grow the increasing demand for International music in India".

The rapid growth of the market in India creates great potential for the international roster and catalogue of Warner Recorded Music, said its spokesperson Stu Bergen.

"It was important for us to find a partner with the market knowledge and relationships with local retailers and media partners to help unlock that. We look forward to working together to achieve strong results for our artists," Bergen said.