Music deals for Sony Ericsson
2008-01-28 08:45
London - Sony Ericsson, the world's fourth-largest cellphone operator by sales, on Sunday unveiled content deals with three of the world's four top music labels, ahead of the launch of its online music store in May.
Sony Ericsson, a joint venture between Sony Corp and Telefon AB LM, said its upgraded PlayNow internet and cellphone service - aimed at rivalling Apple Inc's iTunes and Nokia Corp's Ovi portals - will be available in 30 countries worldwide by the end of 2008, starting from May. It will offer more than five million music tracks.
Speaking at Midem, the international music trade show in Cannes, France late on Sunday, the company announced deals with 10 record labels, including Sony BMG, Warner Music Group Corp and EMI.
It has also struck deals with Bollywood label Hungama and The Orchard, popular in Latin America and Asia, flagging its intention to target large, fast-growing emerging markets with music sales.
- Dow Jones