New research published today reveals that Universal Music Group (UMG) increased its lead in the global $33.5 billion music market in 2005. According to Music & Copyright, UMG had a market share of 25.6% followed by Sony BMG with a reduced share of 19%. EMI was third with 13.6%, up from 13.4% in 2004 and Warner Music Group (WMG) was fourth with a 12.8% share. Sony BMG was the only major record company to suffer a fall in market share in 2005.

Major record company market shares (%)

Record company 2005 2004
Universal Music Group 25.6 25.5
Sony BMG 19.0 21.5
EMI 13.6 13.4
Warner 12.8 11.3
Independents 29.0 28.4

Source: Music & Copyright

According to Phil Hardy, editor of Music & Copyright, it is medium-sized outfits that are bearing the brunt of the continued stagnation in the music sector:

Very interesting.
Richard Manners at Warner Chappell has done well.
The major corporations still rule supreme but the indies are chipping away.
How long before indies have 50%?
I reckon one year away.

that would be about right in my book.

Might I suggest that since all indies get "bort up" by majors within minutes of making profits, the majors will continue to dominate?