Judge rejects claim Downtown Music dropped partner to smooth UMG acquisition

A federal judge has rejected Blast Off Media's allegation that Downtown Music terminated their distribution deal to appease regulators reviewing Downtown's $775 million acquisition by Universal Music Group, Billboard reported on 7 August. Judge Paul Engelmayer's 5 August ruling substantially narrows Blast Off's $375 million lawsuit, though a breach-of-contract claim over a missed 30-day cure period survives.