In a move that will effect the distribution of mainstream music around the globe, Vivendi Universal acquired the online music service, MP3.com. Just last year Vivendi, along with many others, sued MP3.com for copyright infringement. But like Bertelsmann's stockswap/truce with Napster, Vivendi and MP3.com have made nice while at the same time proclaiming a new era for music makers and lovers.
"A ground breaking merger," says Michael Robertson, MP3.com's chairman
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/sddt/20010521/lo/vivendi_to_buy_mp3_com_1 .html
"Reason has triumphed again in the music industry wars," says New Music Media
http://www.newmediamusic.com/editorials/powers_111500.html
Duet and MP3.com to be managed at "arm's length," reports The Standard
http://www.thestandard.com/article/0,1902,24640,00.html
In a nutty interview given to Business Week before the merger, Jean-Marie Messier (CEO of Vivendi Universal) tries to explain how his company is going to "rule the world."
http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/jan2001/nf20010117_293.htm
Razorcake's Aaron J. Poehler take on MP3.com: "You can't really blame them for trying to mislead others for their own profit. Hell, that's the American Way!"
http://www.razorcake.com/archive-default.asp?ArticleID=43
-Harvey Wallbanger