It was once a real challenger to the likes of iTunes, but has lost ground on the likes of Apple, Amazon and Spotify. Now online download store eMusic has been acquired by private cloud media startup TriPlay.
The deal, made up of a combination of cash and stock, is believed to weigh in lighter than the $23m+ Vivendi/Universal paid to acquire eMusic back in 2001.
eMusic was later sold to private equity firm JDS Capital Management, which also acquired The Orchard in 2010.
TriPlay is the developer of MyMusicCloud and MyDigipack and says it boats “millions of users” when combined with eMusic.
Triplay commented in an announcement that eMusic was one of the ‘largest, most comprehensive digital music services in the world – comparable only to Apple iTunes and Amazon’.
“There is a lot more music in the world than what you find on the radio. Our broad catalogue is what the millions of eMusic and Mymusiccloud users are looking for.”
Tamir Koch, Triplay
It added that Triplay customers will now have access to eMusic’s 25m-track catalogue both online and offline, on any device.
TriPlay, which has offices in New York and Israel, said that the deal retains the executives and employees of eMusic and integrates both companies’ operations.
“We are thrilled to join forces with this pioneer of the digital music industry to offer all our users the wide variety of music they love in a comprehensive, next-generation platform, complete with the features they want and need,” said Tamir Koch, founder and CEO of TriPlay.
“There is a lot more music in the world than what you find on the radio. Our broad catalogue, global access and wide selection of features, are what the millions of eMusic and MyMusicCloud users are looking for.
“In the coming months, our users will begin to see significant enhancements as we introduce the complete music service they want, accessible anywhere, anytime and on any device.”Music Business Worldwide
