 |
|
|
| The
Canadian Appendix of the CD Club
FAQ |
|
|
| Special Section - BMG Direct/Columbia House Merger FAQ |
When did this merger happen ?
The purchase of The Columbia House
Company took place on May 10th, 2005. Directgroup Bertelsmann purchased an 85% share majority in the New York based company
from The Blackstone Group, an international investment firm that purchased Columbia House in July, 2002. Sony
and Time Warner share the remaining 15%.
Who are Directgroup Bertelsmann ?
Directgroup Bertelsmann,
a division of German based media group Bertelsmann AG, operates The BMG Music Service, book publisher Random House and multiple
book clubs under their Doubleday subsidiary.
Why did they purchase Columbia House ?
They are primarily interested
in Columbia House's DVD Club because they wish to expand into DVD distribution. But the company has also mentioned that they
may merge their music club, The BMG Music Service, with Columbia House's music club.
Will Columbia House Canada change
?
It appears that The BMG Music Service may replace Columbia House's Music Club in the states as of September 1st, 2005. No
specific news relating to the Canadian operations has been released but a link to the American FAQ can be found on the Canadian site
here so the Canadian operations may be converting as well. I haven't received definate information relating to the Canadian
music club yet. You'll notice that though this conversion information is found on the Canadian site that the contact information found
on that FAQ is American.
What will happen to my membership at Columbia
House ?
Membership to the video and DVD clubs are unaffected. If the Canadian operations convert, any CD Club membership would simply
be converted into a BMG Music Service membership, your remaining commitments from the previous club being waived ; You will no longer need to purchase the remaining
selections in your contract with Columbia House's Music Club.
Can I cancel my Columbia House Music Club membership ?
Yes, but I would suggest
that you do so by mid August, 2005 and only if you've furfilled your requirements with the club. I personally would go with the BMG Music Service myself because you can
cancel your BMG Music Service membership anytime after
the conversion.
I just joined Columbia House's
Music Club ! What now ?
They'll probably be filling pre-orders up to August 22nd, 2005 if they do indeed decide to convert
and you wont need to buy additional CDs upon conversion.
Where can I find official
information on this merger ?
Here are a few links :
Blackstone Group's May 10th Press Release (pdf)
Directgroup Bertelsmann's May 10th Press Release
Columbia House Canada's Official Statement To Members
Will you
update your FAQs after this merger ?
Yes. I will change all relavant information a.s.a.p.
I have new information - How do I contact you ?
You can send me email by clicking on the following link :
|
| Copyright
2005 Rob McIntyre |
|
|
|
|