Google inks Euro licensing deal, gains 5.5 million songs
updated 03:43 pm EST, Mon November 19, 2012
Google Music gets deal similar to iTunes, Amazon
Google has reportedly reached an agreement with representatives of European music publishers, artists, and composers, giving the search giant access to 5.5 million works across 35 countries for an array of popular artists. Google reached the licensing agreement with Armonia, an alliance bringing together French, Italian, and Spanish licensing groups. Industry observers bill the accord as one of the broadest of its kind.
According to reports, the deal Google struck with European agents is similar to ones done by digital music rivals Apple and Amazon, both of which have expanded the reach of their music offerings on a country-by-country basis.
Businessweek reports that the deal also includes the British and American oeuvres from Universal Music Publishing, as well as Sony's Latin works.
