February 05, 2009

By By Wolfgang Spahr, Berlin

Sony Music Germany has closed GUN Records in Bochum with immediate effect.

The rock label GUN (Great Unlimited Noises) was founded in 1992 as a joint venture by Wolfgang Funk and BMG. Funk, who left his role as president of the company in December 2008, did not want to comment on his future plans.

Managing director Arno Hartfield and seven other employees are affected by the closure.

GUN's artists -- including Him, Within Temptation, Donots and Oomph! -- will now by handled by Sony in Munich and Berlin. International acts will be handled by the international division in Munich and the national acts by the Sony departments Four Music or Columbia Germany in Berlin.

Sony Music Germany declined to comment.

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