The deal is expected to complete by early 2015. The amount has not been disclosed
Japanese chat app giant LINE will be buying music streaming service MixRadio, which is currently owned by Microsoft after acquiring Nokia’s Devices and Services business. The amount remains undisclosed.
The deal, expected to be completed in early 2015, will see MixRadio co-exist alongside LINE MUSIC, the Japanese firm’s new venture set up with Sony Music Entertainment and Avex Digital to launch a “music streaming service”.
The two services will target different markets, according to Jyrki Rosenberg, Head, MixRadio talking to Music Ally. He noted that while LINE MUSIC will serve the Japanese market, MixRadio will act as a global arm for a more international crowd.
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Today, MixRadio is only available for Windows devices. It is unclear when the company will launch its offerings for iOS and Android devices, but it is clear that if it does (and it will), LINE’s 170 million monthly active users will be a good base to start marketing efforts with. While most of those users are located in Asia, LINE has communicated its plans to expand into the US, Spain, Mexico, Columbia and other European countries with local tie-ups.
Rosenberg said, “Today we’re announcing this partnership and the acquisition, not commenting on launching on other platforms. But I have said before that I don’t think any mobile music app can be successful unless they’re ubiquitously available.”
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