On February 11, 2022, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) provisionally cleared Sony Music Entertainment’s (SME) acquisition of AWAL and its Neighbouring Rights business. Please see the full press release from the CMA as well as the below statement from SME. 

Statement from Sony Music Entertainment: “Sony Music Entertainment welcomes the CMA’s provisional determination that its acquisition of AWAL raises no competition concerns and, in doing so, its recognition of the competitive and dynamic nature of the UK music market. Our investment in AWAL will deliver real benefits for artists and consumers, amidst intense competition at every level of the music industry. We look forward to continuing to work with the CMA throughout the final stages of their review.”