NEW YORK, NY  [Monday Nov.10.2003]  /WMQT.com/ -- In another move that solidifies the trend of music companies joining forces to fight these piracy-laden and file-swapping times, New York's Sony and Germany's Bertelsmann AG have announced that they are combining forces to become a new company, Sony BMG. If the merger is approved, Sony BMG will take its place as the second-largest company in the music industry, potentially controlling 25% of the market.

Both companies boast an impressive roster of artists on their affiliated labels. BMG's labels are home to NMC artists such as OutKast, the Dave Matthews Band, Dido, Martina McBride and Justin Timberlake; Sony's labels are home to eTracks artists like Beyonce Knowles, Jennifer Lopez, Luther Vandross, John Mayer, and Train. In the case of this deal, only the recorded music branch of the companies are merging; music publishing, distribution, and manufacturing business will be kept separate.

"We live in fragile and, for the record industry, very difficult times," Andrew Lack, chairman of Sony Music Entertainment, said at a press conference Thursday. "A partnership like this allows us to manage our way through the difficulties."

Wanna own a piece of Outkast?

More on Outkast

Wanna own a piece of John Mayer?

More on John Mayer

Wanna own a piece of Justin Timberlake?

More on Justin Timberlake