March 12, 2008

By By Lars Brandle, London

Universal Music U.K. is outsourcing its distribution operation to Bertelsmann's Arvato U.K., a sister company of Sony BMG, with effect from the end of April.

According to UMG, all relevant staff are expected to transfer to Arvato U.K.'s Milton Keynes, England-based distribution function. The exception are the commercial and logistics (planning), information centre and the Romford-based distribution MIS team departments, which will remain within Universal Music U.K.

UMG explains that the move is built on a desire to "better serve our artists." The company says its focus "remains the development and promotion of its artists and their music."

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