Rhapsody, Best Buy Complete Napster Deal

Nabbing Napster

RHAPSODY has signed an agreement with BEST BUY-owned NAPSTER, wherein RHAPSODY will acquire NAPSTER subscribers and certain other assets, and BEST BUY will receive a minority stake in RHAPSODY.  The transaction is expected to close on or around NOVEMBER 30th, 2011. 

"This deal will further extend RHAPSODY's lead over our competitors in the growing on-demand music market," RHAPSODY Pres. JON IRWIN said. "There's substantial value in bringing NAPSTER's subscribers and robust IP portfolio to RHAPSODY as we execute on our strategy to expand our business via direct acquisition of members and distribution deals."

The transaction will combine the subscriber bases of the two largest premium on-demand music services in the U.S., and will allow RHAPSODY to further enhance its product line to deliver even more value to its members.

"RHAPSODY has demonstrated that it has what it takes to build a profitable business in the increasingly competitive on-demand music market," said BEST BUY SVP/GM Entertainment CHRIS HOMEISTER said. "We are confident they are the right partner to provide NAPSTER's existing subscriber base with an immersive digital music experience moving forward."

"This is a 'go big or go home' business, so our focus is on sustainably growing the company," IRWIN said. "We're excited to welcome NAPSTER music fans to the best on-demand music experience anywhere.  Our new members will have more places to connect to the music they love and to discover new favorites, guided by RHAPSODY's rock star editorial team and the tastes of other RHAPSODY members via our innovative social features."

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