Universal Reveals Latest Numbers

At a time when its size and burgeoning power are likely to come under the scrutiny of the European monopoly regulators, it’s just been made public that Universal Music Group made $330 million in the first nine months of 2011.

Impala, the Brussels-based independent music companies’ association, is challenging Universal’s $1.9 billion purchase of EMI’s recorded music business because it says the Vivendi-owned music company is already too big.

Its pre-tax and interest profit until the end of Sept. was 1.6 percent up on the same period last year.

Turnover was $3.8 billion, about 1 percent down on what it brought in during the first nine months of 2010.

Savings on operating costs offset the restructuring charges of the company’s reorganization plans.

Upcoming releases include new albums from Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Florence & the Machine, Drake, Kara, Louise Attaque, Andrea Bocelli, and Mary J Blige.

Paris-based Vivendi revealed group turnover was $23 billion, 1.7 percent up on last year’s figures. Earnings before interest and tax were up 5.3 percent to $6.48 billion.