EMI pitches cross-platform content into the VidZone

Meanwhile, take-over speculation mounts...

By Kelly Fiveash • Get more from this author

Posted in Mobile, 27th June 2007 12:32 GMT

EMI has signed a licensing and distribution agreement with Vidzone Digital Media to deliver the music giant's full DRM-free digital catalogue to mobiles and PCs via its cross-platform offering.

The technology developed by Vidzone should allow third parties to offer branded PC and mobile music services with a single account linking both platforms.

In other words, customers will be able to access the music they have purchased from either device.

A similar deal was struck between Sony BMG and VidZone earlier this month.

VidZone distributes music to 3, O2, T-Mobile, Virgin Mobile and Vodafone as well as to more than thirty international mobile networks and WAP sites.

EMI's head of mobile UK sales, David Gould, said: "VidZone Digital Media has provided EMI with a strong platform to reach more consumers, more quickly, and taking advantage of EMI’s new DRM-free product means the consumer can listen to it in any way they wish."

The music firm added that EMI content had already been enabled on several third party services and expects to announce more shortly.

Meanwhile, EMI shareholders have a first deadline of today to swallow Terra Firma's £2.4bn private equity takeover offer.

According to various reports, the firm's rival Warner Music Group, which has made numerous attempts to buy EMI, could yet emerge with a counterbid.

Despite the takeover speculation, EMI shares are currently down half a per cent at 2.68 pence on the London Stock Exchange. ®

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