WARNER MUSIC SWEDEN TO ACQUIRE LEADING SWEDISH INDEPENDENT LABEL, MARIANN

Warner Music köper per den 1 juli Bert Karlssons skivbolag Mariann. Warner stärker därigenom sin ställning som ett av de ledande skivbolagen för svensk musik. Detta innebär att artister som Linda Bengtzing, Jessica Andersson, Jimmy Jansson, Maja och Magnus Bäcklund, samt en stor del av de främsta schlager-, pop- och dansbandsartisterna, sällar sig till Warners stall av svenska och internationella artister. Första releasen i det nya samarbetet blir i enlighet med Marianns tradition dansbandet Mats Bergmans I augusti. Bert Karlsson, liksom Camilla Bjering, Johanna Karlsson och flera andra medarbetare, kommer fortsätta att vara knutna till bolaget och jobba som vanligt med både nya och gamla artister. WARNER MUSIC SWEDEN TO ACQUIRE LEADING SWEDISH INDEPENDENT LABEL, MARIANN 12th July 2006 - London, UK: Warner Music Sweden (WMS) and Warner Chappell Music Scandinavia (WCMS) today announced the acquisition of Mariann, a Swedish recording and publishing company with rights to over 8,500 master tracks and 1,150 copyrights. Mariann is the home of Sweden’s premier catalogue of schlager and dansband music, dating from the 1970s onwards. The company holds the rights to many of the artists entering the ‘Melodifestivalen’, the competition to find Sweden’s Eurovision Song Contest entry and is also credited with over 300 hits on the Svensktoppen (the longest running Swedish national radio chart). In making this acquisition, Warner Music significantly enhances its presence in Scandinavian music and signals its continuing commitment to deliver the best in local music alongside its world-renowned roster of international stars. Mariann was formed thirty-five years ago by Bert Karlsson, and has since become one of the leading players in Sweden’s vibrant music scene, with particular strength in schlager and pop music. Its bestselling artists include Linda Bengtzing, Jimmy Jansson, Magnus Bäcklund, Jessica Andersson, Maja and Mats Bergmans as well as extensive catalogue by bestselling Swedish artists such as Vikingarna, Lasse Stefanz, Kikki Danielsson, Roland Cedermark and Alf Robertsson as well as the releases from hit TV series “Fame Factory”. Mariann also boasts thirteen Swedish Eurovision entries, two Norwegian entries and three overall winners of the competition. In addition to the company’s entire catalogue being made available through Warner Music, Mariann’s artists and writers will sit alongside Warner Music and Warner Chappell’s rosters of leading acts, from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Gnarls Barkley and James Blunt to Andreas Johnson, Arash and The Soundtrack Of Our Lives. Jonas Siljemark, President, Warner Music Scandinavia, commented, “We are extremely proud to add the prestigious Mariann catalogue to our roster. We place great emphasis on delivering diverse local content alongside our line up of internationally successful artists so with its array of acclaimed acts anchored in Swedish pop culture, Mariann represents a unique addition to Warner Music Scandinavia. Given the widespread popularity of Mariann’s repertoire, we are particularly excited to be able to explore the possibilities for digital distribution. Working with Bert Karlsson, who will continue as a consultant, ensures that the tradition of Mariann will be upheld as these new strategies develop.” Hans Desmond, MD, Warner Chappell Music Scandinavia, added, “With this acquisition we strengthen our position as market leader in the dansband and schlager field and we look forward to the new cooperation between the former management of Mariann and our local A&R team for future success in the Nordic market”. Bert Karlsson, Founder, Mariann Group, added, “We are thrilled to be aligning our outstanding independent catalogue and roster of major Swedish talent with Warner Music’s first-rate resources, proven creativity, and strength in the Scandinavian market.“ Ends Contact: Felicity McKane Warner Music International +44 207 368 2829 felicity.mckane@warnermusic.com