The trade body also welcomes a second phase to the investigation, which <a href="http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=1048857">reports suggest</a> could take up to three months and will focus on competition in the digital music sector should the deal go ahead.

"Above all, the regulators will want to ensure more choice for artists and consumers, who also need to be protected from price increases," said executive chair at IMPALA, Helen Smith.

"They will also be keen to ensure that online services can develop free from ...