Universal Music heads to Bollywood

Universal Music has joined forces with UK-listed Indian film company Eros International to launch a joint-venture artist-management agency to "groom and promote" Indian pop talent globally.

Eros International will provide Universal with access to Bollywood talent, which Universal will in turn be able to develop and promote.

Kishore Lulla, the chief executive of Eros International, said: "Music and films are naturally intertwined, so the synergy is unmistakable. As we continue to expand our film slate, we are constantly searching for new talent.

"Our tie-up with Universal, and their expertise in pop music talent management, is perfectly complimentary with Eros' ability to offer a credible platform for such talent through its films or worldwide distribution network. The possibilities for Indian and international collaborations are very exciting."

EMI Music and Warner Music Group separately announced that they had agreed to extend their existing marketing and distribution partnership in India and the Middle East and enter into their first partnership in Turkey.

Under the multi-year license agreement, EMI will continue to serve as the local physical distributor of WMG's repertoire in India and the Middle East - a role it has had since 2005 - and will become WMG's local digital distributor as well. In Turkey, where WMG previously licensed to a local physical distributor, EMI will become WMG's new local physical and digital distributor.

John Reid, Vice Chairman, Warner Music International, said: "With us currently serving as EMI's distributor in South East Asia, and with EMI serving as our distributor in India, the Middle East and Turkey, we have developed a strong partnership that we're pleased to be expanding with this deal."