The EU Commission opens in-depth investigation on collecting societies’ proposed merger

The European Commission (the Commission) has opened an in-depth investigation regarding the proposed joint venture between the three collecting societies Stim (Sweden), PRS for Music (UK) and GEMA (Germany). The joint venture aims at offering digital service providers cross border licenses as well as improved royalty payments to the music creators. The Commission’s preliminary investigation indicated that the merger of the three societies’ music repertoire could lead to increased administration and higher costs for the music usage. The Commission now has 90 days (until 29 May 2015) to take a decision about the merger and whether it risks preventing effective competition in the EES.

For more nformation, see the pressrelease from the EU Commission; http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-15-3300_en.htm