From Universal Music to Spotify, MBW’s weekly industry round-up

MUSIC INDUSTRY

Music Business Worldwide reports that Create Music Group has acquired a minority stake in DistroKid, investing alongside CVC Capital Partners. The move took place adjacent to CVC Capital Partners’ deal to acquire a majority stake in DistroKid, which closed in Q3.

Universal Music Group posted revenues of EUR €3.394 billion, or USD $3.90 billion, in the third quarter ending September 30, 2026. The reported growth was 11.7% year over year at constant currency and includes the consolidation of Downtown Music Holdings.

Spotify plans to launch an AI-powered covers and remixes tool in the first quarter of 2027, according to the Financial Times, and is weighing a monthly add-on price of USD $4 to $5. A Japan-linked investment group also said it is considering an offer for up to 50% of JYP Entertainment.

Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment have been cleared by a federal court to depose a former Menlo Ventures principal over a since-deleted post about Suno.

Source: Music Business Worldwide