Universal Music, Disney Music Forge License Agreement For New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand, March 10, 2009 – The Disney Music Group and Universal Music Group (UMG) have entered into an international licensing agreement for the New Zealand market. Under its terms, the Disney Music Group has selected UMG to market and distribute the unique roster of artists affiliated with Hollywood Records and Walt Disney Records, and their catalogues.

The agreement was announced today by Max Hole, President, Asia-Pacific Region, Universal Music Group International; Adam Holt Managing Director, Universal Music New Zealand; and David Agnew, President, Walt Disney Records, & EVP/GM of Disney Music Group. It takes effect from April 1, 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 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.
Max Hole said, “Disney artists and music create excitement wherever they go, and New Zealand is no exception. We’re pleased to partner with the Disney Music Group in yet another part of the world, and our team in New Zealand is looking forward to spreading the excitement even further.”

David Agnew commented: “We are pleased to expand our excellent business relationship with Universal Music into the New Zealand marketplace and feel confident that we will do great things together there with Adam and his team. 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. ”

Adam Holt, Managing Director of Universal Music New Zealand, says “We are absolutely thrilled to be working with David and the team at Hollywood/Disney. We have watched with admiration over the last few years as Disney’s music labels have enjoyed great success in New Zealand and become market leaders in the USA. Disney is one of the world’s great companies and our new partnership is certain to build on Disney’s global success here in New Zealand”.