Warner Music International has struck an exclusive licensing agreement with Odyssey that will see the Ukrainian distributor import, manufacture and distribute the music major’s CD and DVD product.
Through the agreement, effective from today, Odyssey will press-up Cyrillic versions of Warner’s physical product at IFPI-approved local factories.
“This partnership with Odyssey will become a key part of our efforts to offer consumers legal, quality product and to aggressively combat piracy in the region,” comments John Reid, vice chairman, WMI and president, Warner Music Europe, in a statement. “We are excited about the new opportunities this agreement offers Warner Music and its artists and music lovers in Ukraine.”
Odyssey will also import premium-priced international DVD and CD product from WMI’s range for selected retailers in the eastern European market. Both companies will collaborate to maximise other opportunities, including synchronisation and broadcast rights.
The structure of the deal is similar to an exclusive licensing arrangement WMI announced in February with Russian independent music firm Nikitin, which covers Russia and the majority of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
