IFPI releases definitive statistics on global market for recorded music

London, August 2, 2005

IFPI today publishes its 12th annual Recording Industry in Numbers - the most complete and authoritative source of music industry statistics worldwide.

This year's edition includes record company market share figures for 2004, and, for the first time shows global revenues from the collection of performance rights, along with data, statistics and trends in 65 countries' music markets.

Keith Jopling, Director of Market Research said: "IFPI's Recording Industry in Numbers is an unparalleled and comprehensive report on the global market music. It contains definitive market shares of the record companies, commentary on the global market situation - including on the digital music business - and a wealth of information needed by industry players, analysts and commentators."

Market share

Universal maintains its position as the world's biggest recording company, with a 25.5% share of the world market. Sony BMG is next with a 21.5% share followed by EMI at 13.4% and Warner at 11.3%. The independent sector holds steady with a 28.4% global share. National and regional market share information is also available.

Performance rights revenues

For the first time, IFPI is publishing revenues to the industry from the public performance of music and music videos. This is an increasing revenue source for record companies as the channels for getting music to the consumer expand.

Performance rights collections totalled $US493 million in 2004 - up 4.5% on 2003 and up 19% over the past five years. IFPI estimates that potential revenues from the sector could more than double its current value over the next five years.

The figures include licensing income from webcasting and simulcasting as well as traditional radio and TV broadcasting, and public performance revenues from bars, hotels, nightclubs and restaurants.

Accelerated growth in digital sales

2004 was a landmark year for the growth of digital services. Over 180 legitimate music download services were launched globally in 2004. There are now well over 300 sites in total, with at least 200 in Europe.

Music catalogue available on the major services doubled in 2004 to over one million tracks, while subscriber figures now top 2.2 million. Sales of digital music players continue to increase, spurring growth in online music. The launch of 3G services by major operators has given a boost to the download music to mobile market.

In addition, sales of physical product over the internet are growing rapidly reaching 15% in Germany, 10% in the UK and 6% in the US. The internet was the fastest-growing retail channel for CD sales in 2004.

Comprehensive overview of world's music markets

RIN provides a comprehensive overview of 65 countries across the world detailing for example: retail patterns, piracy levels, repertoire breakdown, top ten albums and music DVD charts. Music player penetration, per capita sales, sales by age and genre and many more interesting facts and statistics highlight differences between the markets as well as national and regional trends.

For further information: Keith Jopling, Adrian Strain or Fiona Harley at IFPI Communications on tel: +44(0)20 7878 7900

To buy copies of RIN please contact Michelle Stevens at IFPI Market Research on tel: +44(0)20 7878 7911 or order online

Notes to editors:

IFPI is the organisation that promotes the interests of the international recording industry worldwide. Its membership comprises over 1,450 major and independent companies in more than 75 countries. It also has affiliated industry national groups in 48 countries.