Warner Music Group and record label Milan Entertainment have signed
exclusive long-term, worldwide licensing and distribution agreements. Under the
agreements, WMG's WEA Inc. will manufacture and distribute releases from
Milan in
the U.S. while WMG's Warner Music International will market and distribute
Milan
throughout the world excluding France and Japan. The agreements are effective
January 1, 2003.
Milan's catalog contains soundtracks, electronic, jazz and world music
recordings
from composers including Maurice Jarre, Ennio Morricone, Hans Zimmer,
Angelo
Badalamenti, Joe Hisaishi, Mychael Danna, Nicola Piovani and Alberto Iglesias
as
well as selections from artists including Astor Piazzolla, Ravi Shankar and
Claude
Bolling.
Among Milan's collection of major film soundtracks are Backdraft, Brazil,
Ghost, Little
Buddha, Mulholland Drive, Monsoon Wedding and Talk To Her. Furthermore,
the
agreements also cover recordings on Milan's sister label Jade which specializes
in
ancient and modern liturgical music with repertoire from internationally
celebrated
artists ranging from the Monks of Silos to Olivier Messiaen.
"Over the years, Milan has served as a beacon of
artistic integrity, demonstrating that there is a strong demand for high-quality
music
that exists outside of the mainstream," said Jim Caparro, WEA Inc.
CEO. "We're confident we will be able to enhance
Milan's distinguished track record by providing them with WEA's unparalleled
resources."
Paul-Rene Albertini, president WMI, said, "Milan holds a unique position as one
of the
world's pre-eminent soundtrack companies allied with a collection of influential
electronic, jazz and world titles. WMI is delighted and excited to be working
with
Milan to further exploit both their extensive catalog and important new
recordings."
Emmanuel Chamboredon, founder, president and CEO of Milan, said "This is a
very
important step in the development of Milan and with WMG's support we aim,
more
than ever, to deliver the most attractive soundtracks from the movie industry all
around
the world. We have the expertise and WMG gives us the muscle and support;
for me
it is the perfect partnership."
