From this job posting it looks like Microsoft plans to enter into the music market in the EU by making acquisitions, something I think is very interesting. This is the interesting bit:

This individual will work within this organization and have the following specific responsibilities:
· Drive local music content acquisition efforts in EMEA
· Own the relationships with EMEA‐based Microsoft subsidiaries and product teams
· Own and manage music content licensing relationships with key local licensors and music distributors.

Now this is excellent news as I expect the Zune brand will be coming to the UK and EU soon, but maybe more interesting is who/what Microsoft are thinking of acquiring in the EU.

Microsoft could be just after content for their music distribustion but I would expect that Microsoft were looking at other ways to deliver their content seeing as they currently have no real infrastructure of music distribution within the EU.

The music distribution company that springs to mind is Spotify which, funnily enough, I tweeted about earlier this week:

If Microsoft want to get into the music industry in a big way all they need to do is buy Spotify.

Other than Nokia providing music for phones (and I don’t see them selling that division to Microsoft) I can’t think of any other music services/companies based in the EU. Whatever happens at least it looks like Microsoft are looking more seriously about bringing their own Music brand to the EU, and I would guess the rest of the world.

Edited to bring the article more in Line Jamie Thomson’s well made comment below.