GHS.L Regulatory News (GHS)

11 May 2006 07:02

NewMedia SPARK PLC11 May 2006 For Immediate Release 11 May 2006 NewMedia SPARK plc Investee Update FIFA SIGNS KOBALT MUSIC GROUP AS EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE ADMINISTRATOR FOR "THE OFFICIAL MELODY OF THE 2006 FIFA WORLD CUP (TM)" LONDON (11 May 2006) -- Kobalt Music Group (Kobalt), music publisher and onlinepublishing administrator, has been signed up by FIFA (the FederationInternationale de Football Association) to be the exclusive worldwide licensorand administrator for the Official Melody of the 2006 FIFA World Cup(TM). Written by Nadir Khayat aka Red One and Bilal Hajji, the 30-second melody, asample from the Red One song "Bamboo," will also be incorporated into severalother songs, including the Official Single of the 2006 FIFA World Cup(TM) andother pieces of music to be used extensively throughout the championshipsincluding Shakira feat. Wyclef Jean "Hips Don't Lie - Bamboo (2006 FIFA WorldCup(TM) mix)". In addition dance, hip-hop, house and "Bamboo" mixes will also besold as ringtones. Willard Ahdritz, founder and Chief Executive of Kobalt, commented: "Kobalt isexploiting the content on a global basis through digital distribution partnerson five continents. With an audience of more than a billion people and extensivepromotion, the potential exposure and consumer base for the Official Melody isextraordinary. We are thrilled to be the administrator for FIFA to market,license and collect for both the publishing and master rights in what could bethe biggest digital event ever." As the world's largest sporting event, the 2006 FIFA World Cup(TM) kicks off June9, 2006 in Germany. The Official Melody of the 2006 FIFA World Cup(TM) willreceive extensive exposure during all FIFA World Cup(TM) events, includingcross-promotion and in sponsor advertising spots from such advertisers as Adidas, Avaya, Budweiser, Coke, Continental, Deutsch Telekom, Emirates, Fujifilm,Gillette, Hyundai, Mastercard, Mcdonalds, Phillips, Toshiba and Yahoo. Through the deal, Kobalt is working with FIFA's concept developer Engine AB anMTG company, which is FIFA's exclusive agent for the creation and supervision ofthe overall music program for the 2006 FIFA World Cup(TM). FIFA/KOBALT About Kobalt Music Group With offices in London, New York, Nashville, Los Angeles, Berlin and Stockholm,Kobalt Music Group is a global, independent music publisher offeringadministrative and creative services to writers, publishers and other publishingrights holders. As the fastest growing music publisher in the world and a Top 10UK publisher, Kobalt has become recognized as the new publishing model, fastattracting major writers and artists and publishing companies. Kobalt's uniqueand modern, centralized royalty collection infrastructure is based on directrelationships with collection societies and a unique proprietary technologywhich enables clients to receive faster delivery of revenues and information ina transparent and efficient manner. Kobalt Music Group's clients include: Gwen Stefani, 8 Mile Style, Max Martin,Desmond Child, Richard Ashcroft, Editors, The Hives, Dr. Luke, Nine Inch Nails,Sanctuary Music Publishing, Ric Wake, EverGreen Copyrights, Donald Fagen, TonyKanal, UB40, Tears For Fears, Air-Edel Music, Axl Rose, B-Unique Music, Rami,Arnthor Birgisson, Antony Hegarty (of Antony and the Johnsons), Badly Drawn Boy,Cal IV Music, Integrated Copyright Group, Bill Wyman, Wet Wet Wet, Teddy Riley,Denzil Foster, Dennis Matkosky, Ignition Music, Big Life, James Brown and manyothers. London-based venture capital investment group NewMedia SPARK plc (NMS: LondonStock Exchange AIM list) was a founding investor of Kobalt in 2001 and is asignificant equity stakeholder of Kobalt Music Group Ltd. with boardrepresentation. For further information please contact : Buchanan CommunicationsIsabel Podda 00442074665000 Rebekah Alperin, publicist for Kobalt Music Groupralperin@alperinent.com 001 310 770 1045 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange