Yep, the sumo thumbnail is back, because the big boys are still a-wrestlin'.

Warner and EMI have both confirmed Warner's proposed approach to takeover EMI. And Warner have got IMPALA backing them up now.

The support of IMPALA, or the Independent Music Publishers and Labals Association, to give them their full name, could prove vital in pushing the merge past the regulators, as the indie labels are often among those who campaign hardest against any further consolidation of power amongst the Big Four. For their Europe-wide trade body to start throwing out an endorsement is no small thing.

However, rumours abound that this backing was only gained by Warner promising funding and support for Merlin, the recently launched digital licensing and anti-piracy organisation set up to aid smaller labels....in the face of the massive financial clout of the majors. Considering that another merge at the top could put even further pressure on the indie labels, you can understand why they might be a little bit upset by this state of affairs.