EMI Music Moving to Capital

EMI 'chews' for dynamic Amsterdam

EMI Music Netherlands is moving its operations to the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area at the end of September 2009. The music corporation has chosen the Kauwgomballenfabriek, a new creative industry location in a converted bubblegum factory in Amsterdam’s Overamstel district. With 17,000 m2 of office space, the former Maple Leaf factory opens its last phase of renovation in mid-July. When EMI arrives it will join Q-music in the same building.

International allure

According to Erwin Goegebeur, Chairman EMI Music Benelux, the move was a logical step: "This decision fits the rapidly changing market conditions, and the fact that we as a music company are looking to enter into new partnerships.

“Just like, for example, Endemol, MTV/TMF or SBS, we are counting on the fact that Amsterdam, with its dynamic and international allure, can thrive in these tumultuous new times."

Fitting the vision and strategy

"The establishment of EMI Music Netherlands in this special location fits perfectly with the vision and strategy that we have had throughout in the development of the Kauwgomballenfabriek,” said Bob Jansen from project developers Lingotto.

The city has warmly welcomed the move by EMI. “The arrival of this famous entertainment company represents a further strengthening of the position of Amsterdam as an important entertainment cluster,’’ said a spokesman.

Dutch and international artists

EMI Music Netherlands employs 45 people, is a part of the EMI Group, and responsible for release by Dutch artists such as Anouk, and international acts such as Coldplay, Robbie Williams, Katy Perry and Lily Allen. Its back catalogue includes The Beatles, Andre Hazes, Deep Purple and Pink Floyd.

Photo: Kauwgomballenfabriek by Michiel van Oosten