Sony Corp. is planning an ambitious download giveaway in partnership with McDonald’s as part of the upcoming rollout of digital music service Connect, sources confirm.
McDonald’s — which will give away codes redeemable for music from Connect with select purchases — is expected to commit $30 million to marketing the effort. It is anticipated that more than 100 million songs will be given to McDonald’s customers in the United States. The fast-food giant will acquire tracks from Connect at a discount.
The campaign is expected to extend outside the United States as well.
Sony declined comment. A McDonald’s representative could not be reached for comment.
An announcement on the deal is expected shortly.
McDonald’s confirmed last November that it was in the market for a download promotion partner. A deal with Apple was thought to be in the works. However, sources say McDonald’s made a late switch to Sony.
Connect — a download store offering music from the five major record companies and a host of independent labels — is set to bow later this spring.
The McDonald’s deal marks the second major marketing partner for Connect. In January, the service announced an alliance with UAL Corp.’s United Airlines to make Connect downloads redeemable for United frequent-flyer miles.
